Photon modulation management system

ABSTRACT

Embodiments described herein provide systems for inducing a desired response in an organism by controlling the duty cycle, wavelength band and frequency of photon bursts to an organism, through the photon modulation of one or more photon pulse trains in conjunction with one or more different photon pulse trains to the organism and duty cycle, where the photon modulation and duty cycle is based upon the specific needs of the organism. Devices for inducing a desired response in an organism such as growth, destruction or repair through the photon modulation of one or more photon pulse trains in conjunction with one or more different photon pulse trains to the organism are also provided. Further provided are methods for the optimization of organism growth, destruction or repair through the use of high frequency modulation of photons of individual color spectrums.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.application Ser. No. 15/506,530, as filed Feb. 24, 2017, which claimspriority to PCT Application No. PCT/US15/47239, as filed Aug. 27, 2015which claims priority to U.S. Application No. 62/043,523, as filed Aug.29, 2014, the entire contents of all said application are hereinincorporated by reference for all the applications teach and disclose.

BACKGROUND

Artificial light is often used in buildings, such a greenhouses andtissue culture labs, to promote organism growth, such as plant growth.Growing organisms within buildings and vertical farms require the usageof powered lighting to provide essential light for growth. These lightsoften are electrically powered and emit photons used for biologicalprocesses such as photosynthesis. Examples of various light or photonsources include but are not limited to metal halide light, fluorescentlight, high-pressure sodium light, incandescent light and LEDs (lightemitting diodes).

The foregoing examples of related art and limitations related therewithare intended to be illustrative and not exclusive, and they do not implyany limitations on the inventions described herein. Other limitations ofthe related art will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon areading of the specification and a study of the drawings.

SUMMARY

The following embodiments and aspects thereof are described andillustrated in conjunction with systems, tools and methods, which aremeant to be exemplary and illustrative, not limiting in scope.

An embodiment of the present invention comprises a system for enhancinggrowth, destruction or repair in an organism comprising at least onephoton emitter in communication with at least one photon emissionmodulation controller; wherein said at least one photon emitter isconfigured to emit at least one first photon pulse, wherein said atleast one first photon pulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength bandand duty cycle; wherein said duration of said at least one first photonpulse is between 0.01 microseconds and 5 minutes and wherein theduration of the delay between said photon pulses is between 0.1microseconds and 24 hours; wherein said duty cycle of said first photonpulse is between 0.01% and 95% constant emission of said at least onephoton emitter; wherein said at least one photon emitter is configuredto emit at least one additional photon pulse, wherein said at least oneadditional photon pulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength band andduty cycle, wherein said duration, intensity, wavelength band and dutycycle of said at least one additional photon pulse is different from thesaid duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said atleast one first photon pulse; wherein said at least one photon emissionmodulation controller controls said emission of photons from said photonemitter; wherein said duration of said at least one additional photonpulse is between 0.01 microseconds and 5 minutes and wherein theduration of the delay between said photon pulses is between 0.1microseconds and 24 hours; wherein said duty cycle of said at least oneadditional photon pulse is between 0.01% and 95% constant emission ofsaid at least one photon emitter; and wherein said at least one firstphoton pulse and said at least one additional photon pulse induce aresponse in said organism.

Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a method forinducing a response in an organism wherein said method comprisesproviding at least one photon emitter; providing at least one photonemission modulation controller in communication with said at least onephoton emitter; communicating a command from said at least one photonemission modulation controller to said at least one photon emitter;emitting at least one first photon pulse from said at least one photonemitter toward said organism, wherein said at least one first photonpulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle; whereinsaid duration of said at least one first photon pulse is between 0.01microseconds and 5 minutes and wherein the duration of the delay betweensaid photon pulses is between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours; whereinsaid duty cycle of said first photon pulse is between 0.01% and 95%constant emission of said at least one photon emitter; and emitting atleast one additional photon pulse from said at least one photon emittertoward said organism, wherein said at least one additional photon pulsehas a duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle; wherein saidduration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least oneadditional photon pulse is different from the said duration, intensity,wavelength band and duty cycle of said at least one first photon pulse;wherein said duration of said at least one additional photon pulse isbetween 0.01 microseconds and 5 minutes and wherein the duration of thedelay between said photon pulses is between 0.1 microseconds and 24hours; wherein said duty cycle of said additional photon pulse isbetween 0.01% and 95% constant emission of said at least one photonemitter.

An embodiment of the present invention comprises a system for enhancinggrowth, destruction or repair in an organism comprising at least onephoton emitter in communication with at least one photon emissionmodulation controller; wherein said at least one photon emitter isconfigured to emit at least one first photon pulse, wherein said atleast one first photon pulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength bandand duty cycle; wherein said duration of said at least one first photonpulse is between 0.01 microseconds and five (5) minutes and wherein theduration of the delay between said photon pulses is between 0.1microseconds and 24 hours; wherein said at least one photon emitter isconfigured to emit at least one additional photon pulse, wherein said atleast one additional photon pulse has a duration, intensity, wavelengthband and duty cycle, wherein said duration, intensity, wavelength bandand duty cycle of said at least one additional photon pulse is differentfrom the said duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle ofsaid at least one first photon pulse; wherein said at least one photonemission modulation controller controls said emission of photons fromsaid photon emitter; wherein said duration of said at least oneadditional photon pulse is between 0.01 microseconds and 5 minutes andwherein the duration of the delay between said photon pulses is between0.1 microseconds and 24 hours; and wherein said at least one firstphoton pulse and said at least one additional photon pulse induce aresponse in said organism.

Another embodiment of the present invention may comprise a method forinducing a response in an organism wherein said method comprisesproviding at least one photon emitter; providing at least one photonemission modulation controller in communication with said at least onephoton emitter; communicating a command from said at least one photonemission modulation controller to said at least one photon emitter;emitting at least one first photon pulse from said at least one photonemitter toward said organism, wherein said at least one first photonpulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle; whereinsaid duration of said at least one first photon pulse is between 0.01microseconds and 5 minutes and wherein the duration of the delay betweensaid photon pulses is between 0.1 microseconds and 24 hours; andemitting at least one additional photon pulse from said at least onephoton emitter toward said organism, wherein said at least oneadditional photon pulse has a duration, intensity, wavelength band andduty cycle; wherein said duration, intensity, wavelength band and dutycycle of said at least one additional photon pulse is different from thesaid duration, intensity, wavelength band and duty cycle of said atleast one first photon pulse; wherein said duration of said at least oneadditional photon pulse is between 0.01 microseconds and 5 minutes andwherein the duration of the delay between said photon pulses is between0.1 microseconds and 24 hours.

In addition to the embodiments described above, further aspects andembodiments will become apparent by reference to the drawings and bystudy of the following descriptions, any one or all of which are withinthe invention. The summary above is a list of example implementations,not a limiting statement of the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a partof the specification, illustrate some, but not the only or exclusive,example embodiments and/or features. It is intended that the embodimentsand figures disclosed herein are to be considered illustrative ratherthan limiting.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a photon modulation growthsystem.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of an individual color photonmodulation growth system pulsing different specific wavelength bands oflight.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a photon emission modulation controller incommunication with a plurality of photon emitters with sample LEDarrays.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing photon emission modulation through amaster/slave LED array.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a master logic controller in communicationand control of a series of photon emitters.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a photon emission growth system incommunication with a series of plant sensors.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a sample LED array in communication withvarious SSRs (Solid State Relays) or FETS.

FIG. 8 is a graph of the cycle of modulation of a photon pulse.

FIG. 9 is an example graph of the cycling of three individual photonpulses, with each pulse comprising a different wavelength band atdifferent timing.

FIG. 10 is an example graph of the cycling of three individual photonpulses, with each pulse comprising a different wavelength band atdifferent timing.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing a method of photon modulation fororganism growth through pulsing of various wavelength bands.

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram showing a method of organism growth, repair ordestruction through the use of plant sensors.

FIG. 13 shows the height of beans, (Phaseolus vulgaris var. nanus) inmillimeters to the first leaf node.

FIG. 14 shows average corn (Zea mays) height in millimeters for plantsgrown under the color spectrum photon emissions of Option 11, Option 10and a control.

FIG. 15 shows the size of the first node of beans, (Phaseolus vulgarisvar. nanus) in millimeters.

FIG. 16 shows the size of the first leaf node of peppers, (Cayenne) inmillimeters.

FIG. 17 below shows the height in millimeters to the second leaf node ofbeans, (Phaseolus vulgaris var. nanus).

FIG. 18 shows a compilation of the photosynthetic rate of bean plants,(Phaseolus vulgaris var. nanus) as observed when exposed to a constantemission (100% duty cycle) and duty cycles of 85%, 75%, 65%, 55%, 45%,33%, 20%, 15%, 10% and 5%.

FIG. 19 shows the cycle PSR as measured as a percent of the PSR of theplant under constant emission or full emission of light (100% dutycycle) and duty cycles of 85%, 75%, 65%, 55%, 45%, 33%, 20%, 15%, 10%and 5% at specific light durations, as measured in microseconds.

FIG. 20 shows photosynthetic rate as measured on a Rudbeckia plant(Rudbeckia fulgida), allowing for a shift of far red wavelengths.

FIG. 21 shows the PSR rate of tested Kalanchoa plants at a 10% dutycycle w/ varied signal duration photosynthetic rate average versus 740nm wavelength shift (1.5*Period).

FIG. 22 shows the PSR rate of tested Kalanchoa plants at a 10% dutycycle w/ varied signal duration photosynthetic rate average versus 740nm wavelength shift (0.5*Period).

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, apparatuses andmethods for inducing a desired effect in an organism by creatingelectro-magnetic wave emission pulses (photons) of individual colorspectrums in sufficient intensity to drive photochemical activation orresponse in an organism, using a characteristic frequency or pattern tominimize the required input power necessary to create organism growth,destruction and or repair, while also allowing for the monitoring of thepower consumption and other variables of the system. As will bediscussed in further detail, by controlling the duty cycle, wavelengthband and frequency of photon bursts to an organism, the germination,growth, and reproduction rates of an organism can not only be influencedby a human, but germination, growth and reproduction rates, repair anddestruction of an organism can be controlled and increased through thecycling between blue, yellow, near-red, far-red, infrared and ultraviolet photon modulation.

It has long been understood that plants need 8 to 16 hours of lightfollowed by 8 to 16 hours of dark in order to grow efficiently. The keyproven concept of the present disclosure is that this basic, fundamentalof plant growth is intrinsically incorrect. Plants are not capable ofutilizing constant photon input during the light cycle and thereforespend an inordinate amount of energy protecting itself from theoverdosing of photons.

The present disclosure, synchronizes the ability of the plant to utilizephotons with the administration of photons to the plant via a timedlighting system. Specifically by combining multiple wavelengths ofphotons at specific combination of rates, absorption chemicals inorganisms can be optimized and controlled. For example, plants spendless energy fighting excess heat and side effects such as superoxidesand maximize growth by synchronizing the timing of photon pulses withthe timing of chromophore absorption and transfer of photon energy toelectrons through the electron transport chain. This dosage of photonsto the plant is done on the order of microseconds and is followed by adark cycle of similar magnitude. This allows the plant to devote nearlyall energy to growth and basic life functions. Furthermore, specificchromophores that were thought to be slow “hormone like” controlmechanisms can actually respond rapidly to further control growth.

Experimentation has proven that many of the embodiments of the presentdisclosure create a faster growing, sturdier, less nutrient intensiveplant than that of traditional grow light systems. Each light “recipe(combination of color frequencies, modulation cycles, duty cycles, anddurations)” can be optimized for each desired response to each speciesof organism.

The following are the major additional advantages to the methods,systems and apparatuses of the present disclosure:

-   -   a. Less Heat Creation: LED lighting intrinsically creates less        heat than conventional grow lights. When LED lights are used in        a dosing application, they are on less than they are off. This        creates an environment with nominal heat production from the LED        lights. This is not only beneficial in terms of not having to        use energy to evacuate the heat from the system, but is        beneficial to the plant because it does not have to use energy        protecting itself from the heat and can devote that energy to        growth.    -   b. Less Transpiration (lower water consumption)—Plant        Transpiration rates go up as temperature and light intensity        increase. These increased variables cause the plant cells        controlling the openings (stoma) where water is released to the        atmosphere to open. As plant heat and light stress is kept to a        minimum with the Photon Growth Management System, stoma openings        are also kept to a minimum and thus plants lose less water to        transpiration.

While light is the key component of the photon modulation growth system,this system differs from other historical and even cutting edge lightingtechnology as it is used as the fundamental controller of plant activityrather than simply a basic element of plant growth. Likewise, while LEDtechnology is a core component of lighting in this new system, it is aunique application of LED technology coupled with other engineering thatdramatically expands the potential for reducing costs, increasingoutput, and enhancing control compared to existing commercial productionof vegetables, ornamentals, and pharmaceutical etc. whether field orindoor, whether commercial scale or home consumer use. Via theexperimentation done to date, it has been found that the same lightingsystem can be used to control many plant functions includinggermination, flowering, etc.

The systems, apparatuses and methods of the present disclosure provideenergy, including individual color spectrums or ranges of colorspectrums, at a frequency, intensity and duty cycle, which can becustomized, monitored and optimized for the specific and optimalrequired growing, destruction and or repair characteristics of thetarget organism with the goal of maximizing growth, destruction and orrepair while minimizing energy used in the system. By supplying controlover the rates and efficiencies of modulated photon energy to theorganism, different parts of the photochemical reaction of the organismis maximized allowing for optimal growth or the desired response (suchas root, tissue or hyphal growth, vegetative growth, flower or fruitingbody production, fruit, spore or seed production, stopping growth,elongation of a specific plant part, repairing an organism ordestruction of the organism) while also allowing for control of anorganisms response.

Photons are massless, elementary particles with no electric charge.Photons are emitted from a variety of sources such as molecular andnuclear processes, the quantum of light and all other forms ofelectromagnetic radiation. Photon energy can be absorbed by moleculescalled pigments, such as chromophores found in living organisms, andconvert it into an electric potential.

The resulting excited pigment molecules are unstable and the energy mustbe dissipated in one of three possible ways. 1. as heat; 2. remitted aslight; or 3. utilized through participation in a photo chemical reactionwhich is the focus of the present disclosure. For light to be used byplants for example, it must first be absorbed. As light is absorbed, theenergy of the absorbed photon is transferred to an electron in thepigment molecule. The photon can be absorbed only if its energy contentmatches the energy required to raise the energy of the electron to oneof the higher, allowable energy states. If matched, the electron is thuselevated from a non-excited state to one of a higher single state. Inthe example of a chlorophyll pigment, it has many different electrons,each of which may absorb a photon of different energy levels andconsequently, different wavelengths. Moreover, each electron may existin a variety of excitation states.

A normal excited molecule has a very short lifetime (on the order of ananosecond) and in the absence of any chemical interaction with othermolecules in its environment, it must rid itself of any excess energyand return to the ground (non-excited) state. This dissipation of excessenergy is accomplished in several ways however the conversion to tripletor metastable state is the primary mechanism of the present disclosure.The excited electron is transferred to an acceptor molecule orphoto-oxidation. This energy is then utilized as the primaryphotochemical act in photosynthesis or conformational change as in thephytochrome molecule.

Most of the photon energy absorbed by pigments never reaches a statethat is utilized in a photochemical process. Because of this fact, itmakes sense to synchronize the dosing of photons to the absorptioncapability of the plant and only give it what it can use. Pigments thatabsorb light for eventual use in physiological process are calledphotoreceptors. These molecules process the energy and informationalcontent of photons into a form that can be used by the organism. Thisenergy that is utilized is used to drive photosynthesis (or thereduction of carbon dioxide to carbohydrate). Different volumes andenergy spectrums (or wavelengths) play a critical role in reactions.

The most common pigments utilized for plant growth are chlorophyll a, b,c, and d, phycobilins, terpenoids, carotenoids, cryptochromes, UV-Breceptors (such as riboflavinoids), flavinoids, and betacyanins. Thesephotoreceptors transfer their electrochemical energy to the electrontransport chain. The photon absorbing photoreceptors such aschlorophyll, terpenoids, carotenoids etc. are actually conjugatedmolecules known as chromophores that allow for the conversion of photonsinto electrical potentials. Chromophores exist in many other biologicalfunctions outside of plants, including melanocytosis and color sensingcells in human vision.

This phenomenon can be seen in the vision opsin chromophore in humans.The absorption of a near red photon of light results in thephotoisomerisation of the chromophore from the 11-cis to an all-transconformation. The photoisomerization induces a conformational change inthe opsin protein, causing the activation of the phototransductioncascade. The result is the conversion of rhodopsin into prelumirhodopsinwith an all-trans chromophore. The opsin remains insensitive to light inthe trans form. The change is followed by several rapid shifts in thestructure of the opsin and also changes in the relation of thechromophore to the opsin. It is regenerated by the replacement of theall-trans retinal by a newly synthesized 11-cis-retinal provided fromthe retinal epithelial cells. This reversible and rapid chemical cycleis responsible for the identification and reception to color in humans.Similar biochemical processes exist in plants. Phytochromes andpheophytins behave very similarly to opsins in that they can be rapidlyregulated to switch between the Cis and Trans configurations by dosingwith differing wavelengths of light. However, if far red lightstimulates the Trans form of the opsin, it can skip steps in the naturalphototransduction chain and revert to 11-cis much faster.

The responses of plants to the variations in the length of day and nightinvolve photon absorption molecular changes that closely parallel thoseinvolved in the vision cycle. Chrysanthemums and kalachoa are greatexamples of this. They flower in response to the increasing length ofthe night as fall approaches. If the night is experimentally shorted,the plants will not flower. If the plants are exposed to near red (660nm) of light then they will not flower. If the plants are then exposedto far red (730 nm) after the exposure to near red then they willflower. It is well known that wheat, soybean, and other commercial cropsare best suited or being grown in specific latitudes with differentperiods of light and darkness. The absorption of near red pigment (cis)converts the pigment to a far red absorption state (trans). The nearred/far red chemical reversing also controls seed germination and growthcycles. These photo-absorbing chromophores in plants have been namedphytochromes. It is also understood that Pheophytins (Chlorophyll a, b,and c that lack the Mg²+ ion) also naturally exist in plants. ThePheophytins lack of double bond ring can also exhibit the cis tranconfiguration changes. They are control mechanisms for triggering andcontrolling both growth cycles and reproduction cycles. These controltriggers can be altered and/or controlled by modifying the dosing ofphotons to cause rapid cis trans configuration changes as compared tonaturally occurring or normal artificial light sources.

The photochrome molecule is made up of an open group of atoms closelyrelated to the rings in the chlorophyll molecule. It has two side groupsthat can change from the cis form to the trans when they are excited byspecific pulses of light, however, a shift in the position of themolecule's hydrogen atoms is more likely. The changes in the phytochromemolecule following excitation by a flash of light is similar to those inrhodopsin. These intermediate stages also involve alterations in themolecular form of the protein associated with phytochrome, just as thereare alterations in the form of opsin, the protein of rhodopsin. In itsfinal form phytochrome differs from rhodopsin in that the molecule ofphytochrome remains linked to the protein rather than being dissociatedfrom it. Far-red light will reverse the process and convert the finalform of phytochrome back to its initial red-absorbing form, although adifferent series of intermediate molecular forms is involved. Again,these are just a few examples of how controlling the modulated pulsingof light can control/enhance growth, repair and destruction ofbiological organisms.

Furthermore, when organisms are subject to varying amounts of light,often in excess, the efficiency of photosynthesis is decreased and caneven damage components of the electron transport chain. In the presenceof excess light for example, the chlorophyll may not rapidly transferits excitation energy to another pigment molecule and thus will reactwith molecular oxygen to produce a highly reactive and damaging freeradical superoxide. The plant must then spend energy otherwise reservedfor growth to create protecting molecules such as Carotenoids andsuperoxide dismutase to absorb the excess superoxides. By supplyingcontrol over the rates and efficiencies of modulated photon energy tothe organism different parts of the photochemical reaction can bemaximized and the amount of electric power used in the process can bereduced.

Traditional light sources, as well as sunlight, create a bottleneckinsofar as energy transfer in an organism is concerned. Chromophores ofchlorophyll for example absorb protons and through the electrontransport chain and redox reactions to convert the energy to sugars. Ineach lamellae structure in chlorophyll, there is on average one sink forthis energy for every 500 chlorophyll molecules. This is one examplewhere the bottleneck in an organism is created insofar as energytransfer is concerned. Giving a plant more light does not directly meanthat the plant will be able to process the extra light. In an overlysimplified explanation, it is believed that phytochrome molecules arenot only involved in the very slow (more hormone based) influence ofgermination, growth, and reproduction rates of various organisms, butalso perform and regulate very fast membrane and energy sink reactionswithin the lamellae. Therefore, it can be assumed that controlling andaltering the natural timing and synchronization of photon pulses tophotochromic response will effect germination, growth, and reproductionrates of various organisms.

The present disclosure also provides methods and systems for the amountof electric power used in the process of organism growth, destruction orrepair to be monitored and reduced, where the amount of energy deliveredcan be defined by calculating the total area under the graph of powerover time. The present disclosure further provides methods and systemsthat allow for the monitoring, reporting and control of the amount ofelectric power used to grow, destroy or repair an organism, allowing anend user or energy provider to identify trends in energy use.

An embodiment of the system of the present disclosure comprises at leastone photon emitter, such as a light emitting diode in communication witha photon emission modulation controller, including but not limited to adigital output pulse width modulated signal (i.e. any electrical signalthat cycles current level and ON/OFF) or a solid-state relay. Photonemitters are modulated to send a pulse of photons, where each individualpulse comprises at least one color spectrum or wavelength or multiplecolor spectrums or a wavelength band. Each photon pulse is directedtoward an organism for a duration of time, such as two microseconds,with a duration of delay between photon pulses, such as two hundredmicroseconds or up to 24 hours.

As used herein “organism” includes an assembly of molecules functioningas a more or less stable whole that exhibits the properties of life. Aswill be discussed further, organisms may include but are not limited tounicells and multicellular life forms, viruses, animals (including butnot limited to vertebrates (birds, mammals, amphibians, reptiles, fish);mollusks (clams, oysters, octopuses, squid, snails); arthropods(millipedes, centipedes, insects, spiders, scorpions, crabs, lobsters,shrimp); annelids (earthworms, leeches); sponges; and jellyfish,microorganisms, algae, bacteria, fungi, gymnosperms, angiosperms andpteridophytes, cyanobacteria or eukaryotic green algae.

As used herein, “duty cycle” is the length of time it takes for a deviceto go through a complete on/off cycle. Duty cycle is the percent of timethat an entity spends in an active state as a fraction of the total timeunder consideration. The term duty cycle is often used pertaining toelectrical devices, such as switching power supplies. In an electricaldevice, a 60% duty cycle means the power is on 60% of the time and off40% of the time. An example duty cycle of the present disclosure mayrange from 0.01% to 95% including all real numbers in between. Far-redlight will reverse the process and convert the final form of phytochromeback to its initial red-absorbing form, although a different series ofintermediate molecular forms is involved. One view is that it regulatesenzyme production by controlling the genetic material in cell nuclei.Another view is that the molecule's lipid solubility results in itsbeing attached to membranes in the cell, such as the cell wall and themembrane of the nucleus. Attachment to the nucleus would then affect thepermeability of the membranes and therefor the function of the cell. Itis thought that in nature, the continuous exposure of an organism suchas a plant to blue/near red and far-red wavelengths in the visiblespectrum opposes the action of the far-red absorbing form of thephytochrome molecules. It may be that excitation by far-red light causesa continuous displacement of the far-red absorbing molecules from thecell membranes. Continuous excitation of this kind is what happens, forexample during the long light periods that so markedly influence thegrowth of fir trees (Abies sp.). If fir trees are exposed to 12 hours ofdark and 12 hours of light, they remain dormant. However, if the lengthof day increased they grow continuously. If this is intrinsically true,then the manipulation of the dosing of color spectrums to the plant caneither interfere with, control, or change the natural cycles of plantsthat grow in natural sunlight. If for example, far-red light is dosed tothe plant followed by near red dosing of the plant at shorter durationsthan that found in nature, the displacement of far-red absorbingmolecules can be modified to accept more near red light and influencethe dormancy cycles of some plants.

As used herein “frequency” is the number of occurrences of a repeatingevent per unit time and any frequency may be used in the system of thepresent disclosure. Frequency may also refer to a temporal frequency.The repeated period is the duration of one cycle in a repeating event,so the period is the reciprocal of the frequency.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure and as will be described infurther detail below, the emission of two or more photon pulses from thegrowth system described herein for a duration, intensity, wavelengthband and duty cycle induces a gain efficiency greater than 1 whereGain=Amplitude out/Amplitude in.

FIG. 1 provides a block diagram showing an example of a photonmodulation growth system 100. As shown in FIG. 1 , a photon emitter 106,108, 110, 112, 114 and 116 is shown over a period of time incommunication with a photon emission modulation controller 104 for thepurpose of modulating the emission of photons to an organism for a widerange of growing applications including but not limited to algalcultures, tissue cultures, germination and growth chambers, greenhouses, aquatic plants, supplemental lighting in such facilities and thelike or tissue production. The modulated application of photons to anorganism by providing photon pulses of one or more frequencies followedby pulses of one or more other frequencies for a duration along with adelay between pulses, allows for peak stimulation of an organism'sbiological components and responses, such as a photosynthetic organism'sstoma or chlorophyll pigments and other aspects of growth regulation.Further the modulation of photons allow for the optimization of photonabsorption during photosynthesis without oversaturation of the stoma orpigments. As described below, the modulation of the photon pulsesincrease energy and heat efficiency of current growth systems byreducing the overall power draw by the system of the present disclosureas much as 99% or more of the photon source when compared toconventional growing systems, such as a 60 watt grow light, therebyreducing the amount of power and cost used to grow an organism. In anexample of the energy saving potential of the system of the presentdisclosure, the system pulses 49.2 watts of photons for two microsecondsper 200 microseconds creating an effective power consumption of 0.49watt-hrs/hr on the power payment meter or 0.82% of the power in a 60watt standard incandescent bulb. In addition, because the photon emitteris not continuously emitting photons, the amount of heat produced fromthe photon emitter will be significantly reduced, thereby significantlyreducing the cost of cooling a facility to compensate for the increasedheat from lighting. The system of the present disclosure may becustomized based upon organism-specific requirements for photonintensity, pulse ON duration, pulse OFF (or duty cycle), the lightspectrum of the pulse including but not limited to white, near-red,yellow and blue, orange, far-red, infrared, and ultra-violet toencourage optimal growth or destruction for selected organism such as aspecific plant species.

As shown in FIG. 1 , a master logic controller (MLC) 102, such assolid-state circuit with digital output control, pulse width modulatedsignal (i.e. any electrical signal that cycles current level and ON/OFF)or a central processing unit (CPU) is in communication with a photonemission modulation controller 104 by means of a communication signal134. The MLC 102 provides the system of the present disclosure withinput/output of the parameters and the appropriate instructions or thespecialized functions for the modulation of photons from a photonemitter 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 and 116.

In a further embodiment, the MLC 102 may be hard wired or wireless to anexternal source such as a host, allowing external access to the MLC 102by a host. This allows remote access by a user to monitor the input andoutput of the MLC 102, provide instructions or control to the systemswhile also allowing for remote programming and monitoring of the MLC102.

In a further embodiment, a power measurement or power consumption sensormay be integrated or embedded into the MLC 102 in the form of anintegrated circuit allowing for the measurement and reporting of thepower consumption of the system based on the voltage and the currentdraw of the system of the present disclosure. The power consumption ofthe system can then be communicated either wirelessly or by hardwirefrom the MLC to a host. Data, including power consumption may also besent to an outside receiver such as a database driven software platformthat is not connected to the system.

The photon emission modulation controller 104 receives commands andinstructions from the MLC 102 including but not limited to theintensity, duty cycle, wavelength band and frequency of a photon pulse118 from a photon emitter 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 and 116. The photonemission modulation controller 104 may be any device that modulates thequanta and provides the control and command for the intensity, dutycycle, wavelength band and frequency of a photon pulse from a photonemitter 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 and 116. A variety of devices may beused as the photon emission modulation controller 104, including but notlimited to a solid-state relay (SSR), such as the Magnacraft 70S2 3Vsolid-state relay from Magnacraft Inc., light emitting diodes, as wellas a chromatically filtered incandescent (Tungsten-halogen and Xenon),chromatically filtered fluorescent (CFL's), chromatically filtered highintensity discharge (Metal Halide, High-Pressure Sodium, Low-PressureSodium, Mercury Vapor), chromatically filtered sunlight, light emittingdiodeoptical chopper and a device that induces modulation of a photonpulse, all of which are chromatically filtered. It should be understoodthat this description is applicable to any such system with other typesof photon emission modulation controllers, including other methods tocycle a light or photon source on and off, cycling one or more colors orspectrums of light at different times, durations and intensities, suchas near red, blue and far-red, allowing multiple pulses of one spectrumbefore pulsing another spectrum, as will be understood by one skilled inthe art, once they understand the principles of this invention.

As shown in FIG. 1 , based on the instructions from the MLC 102, thephoton emission modulation controller 104 sends a photon emissioncontrol signal 136 to a photon emitter 106 or 112. When the photonemission control signal 136 sent to the photon emitter 106 or 112 goesON, the photon emitter 106 or 112 emits at least one photon pulse 118where each photon pulse comprises one color section or multiple colorspectrums of light, which is transmitted to an organism 122. Then basedon the instructions from the MLC 102, when the photon emitter controlsignal 136 sent to the photon emitter 108, 110, 112, 114 or 116 goesOFF, the photon emitter 108, 110, 112, 114, or 116 will not emit aphoton pulse, and therefore no photons are transmitted to an organism122. As shown in FIG. 1 , starting from the left side of FIG. 1 , theemission of photons 118 and plant 122 growth is shown over a period oftime 120. The example of FIG. 1 provides a photon pulse 118 emitted froma photon emitter 106 for two (2) microseconds with a duration of delayof two hundred (200) microseconds before a second photon pulse 118 isemitted from the same photon emitter 112 for two microseconds (pleasenote that FIG. 1 is a descriptive example of photon pulses emitted overtime. FIG. 1 is not drawn to scale and the amount of growth by theorganism between pulses in FIG. 1 is not necessarily accurate).

As will be understood by one skilled in art, in an additionalembodiment, the system as described in FIG. 1 may be completely housedin an individual photon emitter, allowing each individual photon emitterto be self-sufficient, without the need for an external control or logicunit. An example self-sufficient photon emitter may be in the form of aunit that may be connected to a light socket, or light fixtures that maybe suspended above one or more organisms and connected to a powersource.

The systems as shown in FIG. 1 may also take the form of a master/slavesystem, as will be discussed in FIG. 4 , where by example, a masterphoton emitter containing all logic and controls for the emission ofphoton from master photon emitter as well as any additional photonemitters in communication with the master photon emitter.

A variety of power supplies may be used in the present disclosure, manyof which would be obvious to one skilled in the art. These sources ofpower may include but are not limited to battery, converters for linepower, solar and/or wind power. As will be understand by one skilled inthe art, the intensity of the photon pulse may be static with distincton/off cycles or the intensity may be changes of 1% or larger of thequanta of the photon pulse. The intensity of the photon pulse from thephoton emitter can be controlled through the variance of voltage and/orcurrent from the power supplies and delivered to the light source. Itwill also be appreciated by one skilled in the art as to the supportcircuitry that will be required for the system of the presentdisclosure, including the photon emitter control unit and the photonemitters. Further, it will be appreciated that the configuration,installation and operation of the required components and supportcircuitry are well known in the art. The program code, if a program codeis utilized, for performing the operations disclosed herein will bedependent upon the particular processor and programming languageutilized in system of the present disclosure. Consequently, it will beappreciated that the generation of program code from the disclosurepresented herein would be within the skill of an ordinary artisan.

FIG. 2 provides a second block diagram showing an example of a photonmodulation growth system 200. As shown in FIG. 2 and repeated from FIG.1 , a photon emitter 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 and 116 is shown over aperiod of time in communication with a photon emission modulationcontroller 104 for the purpose of modulating individual pulses ofphotons comprising individual color spectrums to an organism, includingbut not limited to white, near-red, blue, yellow orange, far-red,infrared, and ultra-violet color spectrums, wavelength between 0.1 nmand 1 cm. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the presentdisclosure may include color spectrums of specific, individualwavelengths between 0.1 nm and 1.0 cm, or may include a range or band ofwavelengths 0.1 to 200 nm in width, herein “wavelength band.”

The modulation of individual color spectrums of photons to an organismby providing specific color spectrum pulses for a duration along with adelay between pulses, allows for peak stimulation of an organism'sbiological components and responses, such as a photosynthetic organism'sstoma, chromophores, chlorophyll pigments, phototropism and otheraspects of growth regulation. Examples of the ability to controlspecific aspects of an organism's biological components or responsesthrough the pulsing of individual color spectrums, specific colorwavelength or a range of color wavelengths may include but are notlimited to:

-   -   a. the control of seed germination in some higher plants through        the modulation of pulses of a specific far-red wavelengths (such        as 730 nm, an example wavelength range may include 710 to 850        nm) for a period of time and then pulses of blue light (an        example range may include with a range of 450 to 495 nm) in        combination with near red light (such as 660 nm, an example        range may include with a range of 620 to 710 nm);    -   b. increased growth of higher plants through the cycling of        pulses of near red wavelengths with pulses of blue wavelengths        and far-red wavelengths;    -   c. seed production in higher plants through the exposure of        plants to shortened pulses of blue light after and exposure of        lengthened pulses of near red light and far red light;    -   d. flower production where if various types of higher plants are        exposed to a variation of pulses timing of far-red light (730 nm        to 850 nm) after the exposure to pulses of near red light and        blue light, the plants are induced to flower; and    -   e. destruction of organisms such as bacteria or a virus where in        an organism is exposed to a pulse of an ultra violet wavelength        such as 243 nm, while the spectrum of ultra violet will be        understood by one skilled in the art, an example range may        include with a range between 200 and 275 nm.

The modulation of individual color spectrums, specific wavelength and arange of wavelengths of photons to an organism by providing specificcolor spectrum pulses for a duration along with a delay between pulsesalso allows for the control of non-photosynthetic growth or responses,such as phototropism in fungi or other organisms. An example may includeone light or through the combination of many lights, cycling the lightson and off to control elongation and growth of an organism, such asinducing elongated growth in the stipe of a mushroom or broad cap growthin a mushroom. Another example may include using a side light source onone side of a plant more often than the other to induce a plant to growtowards that the lighted side then turn the other side on until it growstowards that light. Repeating it will cause an overall increase ingrowth

As shown in FIG. 2 and repeated from FIG. 1 , a master logic controller(MLC) 102, is in communication with a photon emission modulationcontroller 104 by means of a communication signal 134. The MLC 102provides the system of the present disclosure with input/output of theparameters and the appropriate instructions or the specialized functionsfor the modulation of a specific individual color spectrum of photonsfrom a photon emitter 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 and 116.

The photon emission modulation controller 104 receives commands andinstructions from the MLC 102 including but not limited to theintensity, duty cycle, color spectrum and frequency of each specificcolor spectrum photon pulse 202 and 204 or a plurality of pulses of aspecific color spectrum from a photon emitter 106, 108, 110, 112, 114and 116. The photon emission modulation controller 104 provides thecontrol and command for the intensity, duty cycle, color spectrum andfrequency of each specific color spectrum photon pulse 202 and 204 orplurality of pulses from a photon emitter 106, 108, 110, 112, 114 and116.

As shown in FIG. 2 , based on the instructions from the MLC 102, thephoton emission modulation controller 104 sends a photon emissioncontrol signal 136 to a photon emitter 106, 108, 112 or 114. When thephoton emission control signal 136 sent to the photon emitter 106, 108,112 or 114 goes ON, the photon emitter 106, 108, 112 or 114 emits one ormore photon pulses of a specific color spectrum 202 or 204, which istransmitted to an organism 122. Then based on the instructions from theMLC 102, when the photon emitter control signal 136 sent to the photonemitter 110 or 116 goes OFF, the photon emitter 110 or 116 will not emita photon pulse, and therefore no photons are transmitted to an organism122. As shown in FIG. 2 , starting from the left side of FIG. 2 , theemission of photons of a specific color spectrum 202 (near red) and 204(far-red) and plant 122 growth is shown over a period of time 120. Theexample of FIG. 2 provides a photon pulse or plurality of pulses of anear red color spectrum 202 emitted from a photon emitter 106 for two(2) microseconds, followed by a photon pulse or plurality of pulses of afar-red color spectrum 204 for a duration of two (2) microseconds with aduration of delay of two hundred (200) microseconds of each pulse beforea second photon pulse or plurality of pulses 202 is emitted from thesame photon emitter 112 for two microseconds followed by a second photonpulse or plurality of pulses of a far-red color spectrum 204 for aduration of two microseconds from the same photon emitter 114 (pleasenote that FIG. 2 is a descriptive example of photon pulses emitted overtime. FIG. 2 is not drawn to scale and the amount of growth by theorganism between pulses in FIG. 2 is not necessarily to scale).

The system of the present disclosure as described in FIGS. 1 and 2allows for the manipulation and control of various responses by anorganism through the cycling of one or more colors or spectrums of lightat different times, durations and intensities, such as near red, blueand far-red, allowing single pulses or multiple pulses of one spectrumbefore pulsing another spectrum. The pulsing of individual colorspectrums in unison or individually for a duration with a delay betweenpulses allows for increased efficiency and speed from seed toharvest/finish through enhanced germination and control of theprogression from one plant growth stage to the next, such as control ofthe progression from growth, to flowering and then seed production. Thesystem described herein provides the ability to hold a plant in aparticular growth stage for a controlled period of time.

By way of example, studies have shown that using the pulse of specificcolor spectrums to a plant, groups of bean plants may be sown andgerminated on the same date and managed identically up to the “firstopen flower”. At this point protocols may be changed on one group toencourage and allow further development through fruit production.Protocols for the other group may be changed to “hold” at full openflower point. Within days the first group had beans ready to harvestwhile the other was still in open flower stage.

A variety of photon emitters may be used to provide photons, many ofwhich are known in the art. However, an example of a photon emitterappropriate for the present discussion is a light emitting diode (LED),which may be packaged within an LED array designed to create a desiredspectrum of photons. While LEDs are shown in this example, it will beunderstood by one skilled in the art that a variety of sources may beused for the emission of photons including but not limited to metalhalide light, fluorescent light, high-pressure sodium light,incandescent light and LEDs (light emitting diode). Please note that ifa metal halide light, fluorescent light, sunlight, high-pressure sodiumlight, incandescent light is used with the methods, systems andapparatuses described herein, the proper use of these forms of photonemitters would be to modulate and then filter the light to control whatwavelength for what duration is passed through.

Embodiments of the present disclosure can apply to LEDs having variousdurations of photon emissions, including durations of photon emissionsof specific color spectrums and intensity. The pulsed photon emissionsof specific color spectrums may be longer or shorter depending on theorganism in question, the age of the organism and how the emission willbe used in facilitating biochemical processes for organism growth.

The use of an array of LEDs may be controlled to provide the optimalphoton pulse of one or more color spectrums for specific organism growthsuch as growing lettuce or for tomato growth. The user may simply selectthe photon pulse intensity, color spectrum, frequency and duty cycle fora particular type of organism to encourage efficient biologicalresponses such as photosynthetic process in plants. LED packages can becustomized to meet each organism's specific requirements. By usingpackaged LED arrays with the customized pulsed photon emission, asdiscussed above, embodiments described herein may be used to controllight to alter the vitamin, salt, acid, antioxidant, flavonoid,carotenoid, water, chloroplast and accessory pigment and absorptionlevels within the target organism.

FIG. 3 is a diagram of an example of a plurality of photon emitters 106,108, 110 and 112 with LED arrays 300. As shown in FIG. 3 , a photonemission modulation controller 104 is in communication by means of aplurality of photon emitter control signals 136 with a plurality ofphoton emitters 106, 108, 110 and 112 (which are the same photonemitters that are shown in FIG. 1 ). As further shown in FIG. 3 , eachphoton emitter 106, 108, 110 and 112 comprises an array of LEDs 302,304, 306 and 308. Each array of LEDs 302, 304, 306 and 308 and thecircuitry to allow for the array of LEDs to communicate with the photonemission modulation controller 104 are contained in an LED array housing310, 312, 314 and 316.

As shown in FIG. 3 , the shape of LED array is a circle, however as willbe understood by one skilled in the art, the shape of the array may takea variety of forms based upon the needs of the organisms such as plants,the volume of organisms such as plants to receive a pulse of photons anda variety of other conditions. The shape of the array may include but isnot limited to, circular, square, rectangular, triangular, octagonal,pentagonal and a variety of other shapes.

The LED array housing 310, 312, 314 and 316 for each photon emitter 106,108, 110 and 112 may be made of a variety of suitable materialsincluding, but are not limited to, plastic, thermoplastic, and othertypes of polymeric materials. Composite materials or other engineeredmaterials may also be used. In some embodiments, the housing may be madeby a plastic injection molding manufacturing process, aluminumextrusion, steel and other processes. In some embodiments, the housingmay be transparent or semi-transparent and in any color.

FIG. 4 is a diagram of an example of a plurality of photon emitters witha master photon emitter in communication and control of one or moreslave photon emitters, 400. As shown in FIG. 4 , a master photon emitter402 is in communication by means of a photon control signal 136 with aseries of slave photon emitters 404, 406, and 408. The master photonemitter 402 contains a controller, such as the MLC (102 of FIGS. 1 and 2), as well as photon emission modulation controller (shown as 104 FIGS.1 and 2 ) which controls the intensity, duty cycle and frequency of eachspecific color spectrum photon pulse from an array of LEDs housed withinthe master photon emitter 402 while also allowing the master photonemitter to control the intensity, duty cycle and frequency of eachspecific color spectrum photon pulse from each slave photon emitters404, 406, and 408.

Conversely, each slave photon emitter 404, 406, and 408 contains thecircuitry to receive command signals 136 from the master photon emitter402 and the circuitry necessary to emit a pulse of a specific spectrumfrom an array of LEDs (such as near red, far-red, blue or yellow) housedwithin each slave photon emitter 404, 406, and 408. For clarity, eachslave photon emitter does not contain a controller such as the MLC nordoes the slave photon emitter 404, 406, and 408 contain a photonemission modulation controller. All commands and controls for the slavephoton emitter 404, 406, and 408 are received from the master photonemitter 402. This master/slave system allows for sharing of a singlepower supply and microcontroller. Master has the power supply and thatpower is also transferred to the slaves. Additionally, the master/slavesystem can be utilized to pulse photons in patterns to help stimulatethe photoperiodism or phototrophic response in other organisms responsein plants.

A bus system may be included in MLC of the master photon emitter 402 orin each slave photon emitter 404, 406 and 408 to allow for the specificcontrol by the master photon emitter 402 of each individual slave photonemitter 404, 406 and 408. By way of example, the master photon emitter402 may send a signal 136 to a specific slave photon emitter 404commanding the slave photon emitter 404 to emit a far-red pulse for aspecific duration, while the master photon emitter 402 simultaneouslysends a command signal 136 to a second slave photon emitter 406 to emita near red pulse for a specific duration. While this descriptive exampleshows an array, plurality or chain of three slave photon emitters 404,406 and 408 in communication with a master photon emitter 402, it shouldbe understood that this description is applicable to any such systemwith any number of slave photon emitters in communication and under thecontrol of a master photon emitter, as will be understood by one skilledin the art, once they understand the principles of this invention.

In a further embodiment, the master photon emitter 402 may be hard wiredor wireless to allow external access to the master photon emitter 402 bya host, allowing remote access to monitor the input and output of themaster photon emitter 402 while also allowing for remote programming ofthe master photon emitter.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of an example of a master logic controller incommunication and control of one or more photon emitters, 500. As shownin FIG. 5 , a master logic controller 102 is in communication by meansof a photon emission control signal 136 with a series of photon emitters106, 502, 504 and 506 located above four plants 512, 514, 516 or 518. Inthis example, the master logic controller or MLC 102 (as previouslydiscussed in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 ) also contains a photon emissionmodulation controller 104 (shown discussed in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 ) whichallows the MLC 102 to control the intensity, duty cycle and frequency ofeach specific color spectrum photon pulse from an array of LEDs housedwithin each photon emitter 106, 502, 504 and 506.

Through the photon emission modulation controller 104, the MLC 102communicates commands and instructions to each photon emitter 106, 502,504 and 506 including but not limited to the intensity, duty cycle andfrequency of each specific color spectrum photon pulse 508 and 510 fromeach photon emitter 106, 502, 504 and 506. The MLC 102 also maintainscontrol of the power supply to the system and control the transfer ofpower to each individual photon emitter 106, 502, 504 and 506.

As shown in FIG. 5 , based on the instructions from the MLC 102, thephoton emission modulation controller 104 sends a photon emissioncontrol signal 136 to each individual photon emitter 106, 502, 504 and506. Based on the specific instructions sent to each photon emitter 106,502, 504 and 506, individual photon emitters 106 or 506 may pulse one ormore specific color spectrums 508 and 510 to an organism 512, 514, 516or 518 (such as a pulse of both far-red and near red 508 at variousdurations or a pulse of far-red, near red and blue at various durations510). As further shown in FIG. 5 , based on the instructions from theMLC 102, other individual photon emitters 502 or 504 may not emit aphoton pulse toward an organism 122 for a duration.

The ability of the MLC 102 to control the photon output or emitted fromeach individual photon emitter 106, 502, 504 and 506 allows the systemof the present disclosure to modify the photon emission to an organismbased on the specific needs or requirements for an organism. Asdiscussed in association with FIG. 2 , by way of example, the MLC may beprogrammed to issue a signal to a specific emitter or a string oremitters for modulation of pulses of far-red light for a period of timefollowed by pulses of blue light in combination with near red light forthe control of seed germination in some higher plants or the MLC mayissue a command to a specific photon emitter or a string of emitters forthe cycling of pulses of near red light with pulses of blue light andfar-red light to increase the growth of specific plants. In anotherexample, the MLC may issue a signal to a specific photon emitter or astring of emitters for the pulsing of blue light after an exposure ofpulses of near red light in repetition in order to induce a plant toproduce seed or the MLC may send a signal to a specific photon emitterfor a pulse of far-red light after the exposure to pulses of near redlight in repetition in order to induce a plant to flower.

In the example shown in FIG. 5 , all commands and controls for eachphoton emitter 106, 502, 504 and 506 are received externally from theMLC 102. However, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, thelogic and hardware associated with the MLC 102 and photon emissionmodulation controller 104 may also be housed within each individualphoton emitter, allowing each individual photon emitter to beself-sufficient, without the need for an external control or logic unit.

In a further embodiment, the MLC 102 may be hard wired or wireless,allowing external access to the MLC 102 by a user. This allows remoteaccess by a user to monitor the input and output of the MLC 102 whilealso allowing for remote programming of the MLC.

FIG. 6 provides an example of a further embodiment, showing the photonmodulation system of the present disclosure where one or more sensorsare used to monitor an organism's environmental conditions as well asthe organism's responses 600. As shown in FIG. 6 , one or more sensors602, 604, 606 and 608 are associated with each plant 618, 620, 622, and624 in order to monitor various conditions associated with the plant618, 620, 622, and 624. The conditions associated with the plant ororganism which may be monitored include but are not limited to, soilmoisture, air temperature, leaf temperature, pH, stem or fruit diameter,gas, photorespiration, respiration of an organism or sap flow within theplant. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the sensors mayinclude but are not limited to: a stem diameter sensor, a fruit diametersensor, a leaf temperature sensor, a relative-rate sap sensor, aninfrared sensor, gas, photorespiration sensor, respiration sensor,camera, near-infrared sensor or pH sensor.

The sensors 602, 604, 606 and 608 monitor one or more conditionsassociated with the plant or organism 618, 620, 622, and 624 and thentransmit the data 610, 612, 614 or 616 to the MLC 102. Transferring thedata from the one or more sensors 602, 604, 606 and 608 to the MLC 102can be accomplished in a number of ways, either wirelessly or hardwired. As will be understood by one skilled in art, a variety ofcommunication systems may be used for the delivery of sensor-derivedinformation from the plant 618, 620, 622, and 624 to the a MLC 102.

The data from the one or more sensors 602, 604, 606 and 608 is analyzedby the MLC 102. Based on the information from the sensors, the MLC 102,through the photon emission modulation controller 104, the MLC 102 isable to adjust the intensity, duty cycle and frequency of each specificcolor spectrum photon pulse 608 and 610 of each individual photonemitter 106, 602, 604 and 606, or to adjust the intensity, duty cycleand frequency of a group of photon emitters based on the needs of theindividual plants 618, 620, 622, and 624 associated with a specificsensor 602, 604, 606 and 608 or the needs of the plants as a whole. Anexample may include adjusting a pulse to comprise both blue and near red608 at various durations or adjusting duration of a pulse of far-red,near red and blue 610.

In additional embodiments, the system of the present disclosure may alsoinclude a watering system, fertilizing system and/or a fertigationsystem (not shown in FIG. 7 ) in communication and under the control ofthe MLC 102 or a separate logic controller. Based on information fromthe sensors 602, 604, 606 and 608 associated with each plant ororganism, the MLC 102 is able to communicate with an irrigation system,nutrient system, nutrient source or fertigation system in order stop andstart an irrigation, fertilizing or fertigation event to a plant or anorganism, as well adjust the timing or concentration of a watering,fertilizing or fertigation event that will be sent to a plant or anorganism. Data, including power can be sent to an outside receiver suchas a database that is not connected to the system.

Examples of an irrigation system may include drip irrigation, overheadmisting, or fog systems. Examples of nutrient systems or nutrientsources may include nutrient injection, nutrient film, nutrient drips,ebb and flow, or fertigation (a combination of fertilizer andirrigation) where the nutrient source is instructed or is able toprovide a nutrient event to an organism by means of directing nutrientsto the organism.

FIG. 7 is an example of one embodiment of an array of LEDs incommunication with a series of solid-state relays or SSRs 700. As shownin FIG. 7 and repeated from FIG. 1 , a MLC 102 is in communication bymeans of a communication signal 134 with a photon emission modulationcontroller 104. The photon emission modulation controller 104 of thisexample contains three solid-state relays. The MLC 102 outputs a signalto control the SSRs. The first solid-state relay controls an array ofnear red LEDs 702, the second solid-state relay controls an array offar-red LEDs 704 and the third solid-state relay to controls an array ofblue LEDs 706. Each solid-state relay 702, 704 and 706 is incommunication with an array of LEDs, 714, 716 and 718 by means of aphoton emission signal 136. As shown in FIG. 7 , the near redsolid-state relay 702 sends a photon emission signal 136 to initiate aphoton pulse of the near red LEDS 714 comprising a near red voltage 708to an array of near red LEDs 714. The near red voltage 708 is thentransmitted from the array of near red LEDs 714 to a series of resistors720, 742, 738, such as a 68 ohm resistor, with each resistor 720, 742and 738 connected to a ground 744.

As further shown in FIG. 7 , the far-red solid-state relay 704 sends aphoton emission signal 136 to initiate a photon pulse of far-red LEDscomprising a far-red voltage 710 to an array of red LEDs 718. The redvoltage 710 is then transmitted from the red LED array 718 and a seriesof resistors 724, 728, 732 and 734, such as 390 ohm resistor with eachresistor 724, 728, 732 and 734 connected to a ground 744. FIG. 8 alsoshows the blue solid-state relay 706 sending a photon emission signal136 to initiate a photon pulse of blue LEDs comprising a blue voltage712 to an array of blue LEDs 716. The blue voltage 712 is thentransmitted from the array of blue LEDs 716 and transmitted to a seriesof resistors 722, 726, 730, 736 and 740, such as a 150 ohm resistor,with each resistor 722, 726, 730, 736 and 740 connected to a ground 744.

The system of the present disclosure may be successfully employed with awide variety of organisms, including but not limited to wide variety ofalgae, bacteria, fungi, gymnosperms, angiosperms and pteridophytes,cyanobacteria or eukaryotic green algae. This list of organisms mayfurther include but is not limited to Arthrospira spp., Spirulina spp.,Calothrix spp., Anabaena flos-aquae, Aphanizomenon spp., Anadaena spp.,Gleotrichia spp., Oscillatoria spp., Nostoc spp., Synechococcuselongatus, Synechococcus spp., Synechosystis spp. PCC 6803,Synechosystis spp., Spirulina plantensis, Chaetoceros spp.,Chlamydomonas reinhardii, Chlamydomonas spp., Chlorella vulgaris,Chlorella spp., Cyclotella spp., Didymosphenia spp., Dunaliellatertiolecta, Dunaliella spp., Botryococcus braunii, Botryococcus spp.,Gelidium spp., Gracilaria spp., Hantscia spp., Hematococcus spp.,Isochrysis spp., Laminaria spp., Navicula spp., Pleurochrysis spp. andSargassum spp; citrus, table grapes, wine grapes, bananas, papaya,Cannabis sp., coffee, goji berries, figs, avocados, guava, pineapple,raspberries, blueberries, olives, pistachios, pomegranate, artichokesand almonds; vegetables such as artichokes, asparagus, bean, beets,broccoli, brussel sprouts, chinese cabbage, head cabbage, mustardcabbage, cantaloupe, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chicory, collardgreens, cucumbers, daikon, eggplant, endive, garlic, herbs, honey dewmelons, kale, lettuce (head, leaf, romaine), mustard greens, okra,onions (dry & green), parsley, peas (sugar, snow, green, black-eyed,crowder, etc.), peppers (bell, chile), pimento, pumpkin, radish,rhubarb, spinach, squash, sweet corn, tomatoes, turnips, turnip greens,watercress, and watermelons; flowering type bedding plants, including,but not limited to, Ageratum, Alyssum, Begonia, Celosia, Coleus, dustymiller, Fuchsia, Gazania, Geraniums, gerbera daisy, Impatiens, Marigold,Nicotiana, pansy/Viola, Petunia, Portulaca, Salvia, Snapdragon, Verbena,Vinca, and Zinnia; potted flowering plants including, but not limitedto, African violet, Alstroemeria, Anthurium, Azalea, Begonia, Bromeliad,Chrysanthemum, Cineraria, Cyclamen, Daffodil/Narcissus, Exacum,Gardenia, Gloxinia, Hibiscus, Hyacinth, Hydrangea, Kalanchoe, Lily,Orchid, Poinsettia, Primula, regal pelargonium, rose, tulip,Zygocactus/Schlumbergera; foliage plants including, but not limited to,Aglaonema, Anthurium, Bromeliad, Opuntia, cacti and succulents, Croton,Dieffenbachia, Dracaena, Epipremnum, ferns, ficus, Hedera (Ivy),Maranta/Calathea, palms, Philodendron, Schefflera, Spathiphyllum, andSyngonium. cut flowers including, but not limited to, Alstroemeria,Anthurium, Aster, bird of paradise/Strelitzia, calla lily, carnation,Chrysanthemum, Daffodil/Narcissus, daisy, Delphinium, Freesia, gerberadaisy, ginger, Gladiolus, Godetia, Gypsophila, heather, iris,Leptospermum, Liatris, lily, Limonium, Lisianthus, Orchid, Protea, Rose,Statice, Stephanotis, Stock, Sunflower, Tulip; cut cultivated greensincluding, but not limited to, plumosus, tree fern, boxwood, soniferousgreens, Cordyline, Eucalyptus, hedera/Ivy, holly, leatherleaf ferns,Liriope/Lilyturf, Myrtle, Pittosporum, Podocarpus; deciduous shade treesincluding, but not limited to, ash, birch, honey locust, linden, maple,oak, poplar, sweet gum, and willow; deciduous flowering trees including,but not limited to, Amelanchier, callery pea, crabapple, crapemyrtle,dogwood, flowering cherry, flowering plum, golden rain, hawthorn,Magnolia, and redbud; broadleaf evergreens including, but not limitedto, Azalea, cotoneaster, Euonymus, holly, Magnolia, Pieris, Privet,Rhododendron, and Viburnum; coniferous evergreens including, but notlimited to, Arborvitae, cedar, cypress, fir, hemlock, juniper, pine,spruce, yew; deciduous shrubs and other ornamentals including, but notlimited to, buddleia, hibiscus, lilac, Spirea, Viburnum, Weigela, groundcover, bougainvillea, clematis and other climbing vines, and landscapepalms; fruit and nut plants including, but not limited to, citrus andsubtropical fruit trees, deciduous fruit and nut trees, grapevines,strawberry plants, other small fruit plants, other fruit and nut trees;cut fresh, strawberries, wildflowers, transplants for commercialproduction, and aquatic plants; pteridophyte plants including, but notlimited to ferns and fungi including but not limited to basidiomycetes,ascomycetes, and sacchromycetes. The system of the present disclosureprovides a photon pulse for both C3 and C4 photosystems as well as “CAM”plants (Crassulacean acid metabolism).

FIG. 8 is a graph showing an example the duration of a photon pulseversus the duration of the delay between photon pulses 800. As shown inFIG. 8 and previously described in FIGS. 1-7 , an example of a photonpulse of the present disclosure is provided where a photon pulse isemitted from a photon emitter for two (2) microseconds with a durationof delay of two hundred (200) microseconds before a second photon pulseis emitted for two microseconds. After the second of the two microsecondphoton pulses, as shown in FIG. 8 , there is again a duration of twohundred (200) microseconds before a third photon pulse is emitted. Thiscycle of a two (2)-microsecond photon pulse with a two hundredmicroseconds delay between photon pulses may be repeated indefinitely oruntil the organism growing under and receiving the photon pulses hasreached its desired size or maturity or is destroy or repaired. While inthis descriptive example of a photon pulse of two microseconds and aduration between photon pulses of 200 microseconds, it should beunderstood that this description is applicable to any such system withother emissions of photon pulses over a period of time, excluding thestandard analog frequency lighting emission standards of the UnitedStates of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz. Examples of the photon pulseduration may include but is not limited to, 0.01 microseconds to 5minutes and all real numbers in between. The system of the presentdisclosure also allows for other durations between photon pulsesincluding but not limited one microsecond to 24 hours (mimicking naturaldark cycles), and all real numbers in between. The system of the presentdisclosure may be programmed to allow for variations of photon emissionas well as variations of photon emission delay to allow for events suchas extended dark cycles.

FIG. 9 is a graph showing an example of the duration of a photon pulseversus the duration of the delay between photon pulses of three colorspectrums 900. The time scale on this chart is not to scale but servesas an example embodiment exhibiting the variation of color spectrum,frequency and duty cycle that may be utilized for growth or destructionof an organism as shown in as Options 10 and 11 in Examples 1-7. Asshown in FIG. 9 and previously described in FIGS. 1-7 , another exampleof the cycling of photon pulses of various color spectrum of the presentdisclosure is provided where photon pulses of three color spectrums areemitted from a photon emitter. As shown in the graph a far-red spectrumis pulsed first followed by a delay and then a dual pulse of a near redspectrum and a blue spectrum together is then dosed followed by a delaycreating a first set of photon pulses. Next, a second set of dual pulsescomprising of near red spectrum and blue spectrum are pulsed togetheragain followed by a delay. After the delay, a near red spectrum and bluespectrum are pulsed together once again followed by an additional longerdelay. This cycle may be repeated indefinitely or until the organismgrowing under and receiving the photon pulses has reached its desiredsize, maturity or is destroyed or repaired or a change is desired for anew phase of growth or destruction. As discussed above, this example mayalso be used to increase seed germination rates in various types ofplants. While in this descriptive example of a photon pulse setcomprising offset pulsing of one color spectrum and two color spectrums,it should be understood that this description is applicable to any suchsystem with other emissions of photon pulses over a period of time, asvarious combinations of pulses of color spectrums including but notlimited to near red, far-red, infra-red, blue, yellow, orange andultraviolet excluding the standard analog frequency lighting emissionstandards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz. Examples ofthe photon pulse duration between pulses of each individual colorspectrum or color spectrum combinations may include but is not limitedto, 0.01 microseconds to five (5) minutes and all real numbers inbetween. The system of the present disclosure also allows for otherdurations between pulses of each individual color spectrum or colorspectrum combinations including but not limited to 0.1 microsecond to 24hours, and all real numbers in between. The system of the presentdisclosure may be programmed to allow for variations of photon emissionas well as variations of photon emission delay to allow for events suchas extended dark cycles.

FIG. 10 is a graph showing an example of the duration of a photon pulseversus the duration of the delay between photon pulses of three colorspectrums 1000. The time scale on this chart is not to scale but servesas an example embodiment exhibiting the variation of color spectrum,frequency and duty cycle that may be utilized for growth or destructionof an organism. As shown in FIG. 10 and previously described in FIGS.1-7 , another example of the cycling of photon pulses of various colorspectrum of the present disclosure is provided where photon pulses ofthree color spectrums are emitted from a photon emitter. As shown in thegraph a far red spectrum is pulsed simultaneously with a blue spectrumpulse. The far red spectrum is pulsed for twice the time as the bluespectrum. They are followed by a small delay and then a pulse of a nearred spectrum is then dosed followed by a delay creating a first set ofphoton pulses. Next, a second set of pulses comprising first of far redspectrum then a near red spectrum followed by a blue spectrum are pulsedin rapid succession again followed by a delay. After the delay, a nearred spectrum and blue spectrum are pulsed together once again followedby an additional longer delay. This cycle may be repeated indefinitelyor until the organism growing under and receiving the photon pulses hasreached its desired size or maturity or is destroyed or repaired or achange is desired for a new phase of growth or destruction. As discussedabove, this example may also be used to increase seed germination ratesin various types of plants. While in this descriptive example of aphoton pulse set comprising off set pulsing of one color spectrum andtwo color spectrums, it should be understood that this description isapplicable to any such system with other emissions of photon pulses overa period of time, as various combinations of pulses of color spectrumsincluding but not limited to near red, far red, infra-red, blue, yellow,orange and ultraviolet excluding the standard analog frequency lightingemission standards of the United States of 60 Hz and Europe of 50 Hz.Examples of the photon pulse duration between pulses of each individualcolor spectrum or color spectrum combinations may include but is notlimited to, 0.01 microseconds to five minutes and all real numbers inbetween. The system of the present disclosure also allows for otherdurations between pulses of each individual color spectrum or colorspectrum combinations including but not limited 0.1 microseconds to 24hours, and all real numbers in between. The system of the presentdisclosure may be programmed to allow for variations of photon emissionas well as variations of photon emission delay to allow for events suchas extends dark cycles.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram showing the method of modulation of individualcolor spectrums pulsed for organism growth 1100. As shown in FIG. 11 ,in step 1102, the master logic controller receives instructionsregarding each individual color spectrum to be pulsed, the duration ofeach pulse of each color spectrum, the combination of colors to bepulsed and duration of delay between each color spectrum pulse.Instructions and information sent to the master logic controller mayrelate to the photon pulse duration of each color to be pulsed, photonpulse delay, intensity, frequency, duty cycle, organism type, state ofmaturity of the organism and the type of growth, destruction or repairthat is desired to be induced, such as bud and flower formation, seedformation, sporting, fungal fruiting bodies, and hyphae formation. Instep 1104, the master logic controller sends instructions to the photonemission modulation controller the regarding each color spectrum to bepulsed, the duration of each pulse of each color spectrum, combinationof colors pulse and duration of delay between different color spectrums.In step 1106, the photon emission modulation controller sends at leastone signal to one or more photon emitters capable of emitting pulses ofone or more individual color spectrums toward an organism, such as nearred LEDs, far-red LEDs, blue LEDs and yellow LEDs. In step 1108, one ormore photon emitters emit one or more photon pulses of individual colorspectrums directed to an organism.

FIG. 12 provides an additional embodiment of the present disclosure,showing a flowing diagram of the growth, repair or destruction of anorganism based on information from plant sensors 1200. As shown in step1202, a plant sensor monitors one or more conditions associated withgrowing environment of an organism. The conditions to be monitored byinclude but is not limited to the air or soil temperature associatedwith the plant or organism, soil moisture, humidity levels, soil pH,fruit diameter, stem diameter, leaf size, leaf shape, or leaftemperature. In step 1204, the plant sensor sends data regarding thegrowing conditions associated with the an organism to the MLC. The MLCthen analyzes the data sent from the plant sensor or the analysis may bedone by a third party software program that is remote to the system. Instep 1206, based on the information from the plant sensor, the MLC sendsinstructions to an irrigation system, such as a drip, ebb and flow, orfog system, regarding the timing and/or duration of an irrigation event.In step 1208, irrigation system initiates an irrigation event to one ormore organisms based on the analysis of the data from the plant sensor.As will be understood by one skilled in the art, the adjustment of theirrigation event can be on a micro level, such as an adjustment to theirrigation to one specific organism or the adjustment can be on a macrolevel such as an entire growth chamber or operation. In step 1210, basedon the information from the plant sensor the MLC sends instructions to anutrient system or nutrient source, such as a drip, nutrient film ornutrient injection system, regarding the timing and/or concentration ofthe nutrient to be distributed to an organism during a nutrient event.In step 1212, nutrient system initiates a nutrient event where nutrientsare directed to an organism based on the analysis of the data from theplant sensor. As will be understood by one skilled in the art, theadjustment of the nutrient event can be on a micro level, such as anadjustment to the nutrients to one specific organism or the adjustmentcan be on a macro level such as an entire growth chamber or operation.In step 1214, based on the analysis of the data from the plant sensor,the MLC sends instructions to the photon emission modulation controlleradjusting the duration, intensity, color spectrum and/or duty cycle ofeach photon pulse between different pulses of color spectrums to aspecific organism or to a group of organisms. In step 1216, the photonemission modulation controller sends a signal to one or more photonemitters adjusting the duration, intensity, color spectrum and/or dutycycle of each photon pulse between different pulses of color spectrumsto a specific organism or to a group of organisms. In step 1218, basedon the signal received from the photon emission modulation controller,one or more photon emitters emit one or more photon pulses of individualcolor spectrums directed to an organism or a group of organisms.

EXAMPLES

The following examples are provided to illustrate further the variousapplications and are not intended to limit the invention beyond thelimitations set forth in the appended claims.

Example 1

Table 1 shows the growth rate of two sets of plants over time (beans,Phaseolus vulgaris var. nanus). One set of plants was grown under thegrowth system of the present invention and one set of plants grown undera conventional plant grow light system (a 60 watt incandescent growinglight). Plant growth was measured by measuring the height of each plantin millimeters. The plants were grown under an automated system wherethe plants grown under the photon modulation system of the presentinvention was established at a two-millisecond photon pulse of near-red,blue, and yellow with a duration of the delay between pulses of 200milliseconds. This was then repeated with a two-millisecond photon pulseof far-red offset by 100 milliseconds with a duration of the delaybetween pulses of 200 milliseconds. This cycle was then repeatedindefinitely for 24 hrs/day This rate of photon pulse and photon pulsedelay is estimated to have an energy usage of less than 1% of the energyused the by conventional grow light. The plants grown under theconventional growing light were exposed to the light of the conventionalgrowing light for a period of 12 hours per day. Plants were grown innine (9) oz. plastic cups with small holes located at the base of thecup for drainage. Seeds were planted in a soil mixture (MiracleGroMoisture control potting mix).

A manual watering system provided an adequate amount of moisture for theplants. The plant containers were placed in a black container or boxwith a lid that did not allow light to enter unless the lid was removed.A photon emitter comprising an array of LEDs or the 60 watt grow lightswere affixed to the top of the respective black containers. The LEDscomprised an array of red LEDs (640 nm and 700 nm), an array of yellowround LEDs (590 nm) and an array of blue round LEDs (450 nm). The photonemitter was wired to a solid-state relay, comprising a Magnacraft 70S23V solid-state relay, to allow for communication between the photonemitter and the solid-state relay. The solid-state relay was incommunication with a central processing unit to provide input and outputinstructions to the solid-state relay. The central processing unit wasprogrammed to instruct the solid-state relay to modulate the signals tothe photon emitter in order to produce a two millisecond pulse ofphotons every 200 milliseconds.

As shown in Table 1, column one provides the type of growing systemused. Column two provides the type of plant and the individual plantnumber for each plant. Columns 3 to 8 provide the day of measurement ofthe plant from the original planting of the seeds. As shown in Table 1,using the photon modulation growing system, within day eight fromplanting Bean1, Bean2 and Bean3 had grown to a height between 77 mm and136 mm. By day fourteen Bean1, Bean2 and Bean3 grown under the photonmodulation growth system to a height between 200 mm and 220 mm. Incomparison, under the conventional 60 watt growing lights by day eightBean1 and Bean2 had grown between 155 mm and 185 mm and by day fourteenBean1, Bean2 and Bean3 had grown between 160 mm and 220 mm. This datashows that the photon modulation growing system, using less than 1% ofthe energy of the conventional growing system, is able to grow beanplants equally as well or better when compared to a conventional growingsystem.

TABLE 1 Plant height measured in millimeters when grown under photonmodulation at a rate of a two millisecond photon pulse every two hundredmilliseconds when compared to a conventional growth light Day Day DayDay Day Day 6 7 8 12 13 14 Photon Bean1 No data  31 136 205 210 220Modulation Bean2 No data  77 133 190 195 200 System Bean3 No data Nodata  77 195 210 210 60W Bean1 120 153 185 220 220 220 incandescentBean2  87 135 155 180 160 160 grow light Bean3 No data No data No data150 160 160

Example 2

Table 2 shows the leaf size of two sets of plants over time (beans,Phaseolus vulgaris var. nanus) with one set of plants grown under thephoton modulation growth system of the present invention and one set ofplants grown under a conventional growing light (a 60 watt incandescentgrowing light) by measuring the leaf size of each plant in millimeters.Example 1 is repeated and as shown in Table 2, a measurement of leafsize in millimeters is provided with column one providing the type ofgrowing system used. Column 2 provides the type of plant and theindividual plant number. Columns 3 to 8 provides the day of leafmeasurement from the date of the original planting of the seeds. Asshown in Table 2, using the photon modulation growing system, within dayeight from planting Bean1, Bean2 and Bean3 had a leaf size between 50mm×47 mm and 59 mm×55 mm and by day fourteen Bean1, Bean2 and Bean3 hada leaf size between 55×52 mm and 64 mm×58 mm. In comparison, under theconventional 60 watt growing lights by day eight Bean1 and Bean3 had aleaf size between 26 mm×22 mm and 57 mm×50 mm and by day fourteen Bean1and Bean3 had a leaf size between 33 mm×30 mm and 62 mm×55 mm. This datashows that bean leaf size grown under the photon modulation growingsystem, using less than 1% of the energy of the conventional growingsystem, is able to grow beans equally as well or better when compared toa conventional growing system.

TABLE 2 Plant leaf size measured in millimeters when grown under photonmodulation at a rate of a two millisecond photon pulse every two hundredmilliseconds when compared to conventional growth lights Day 6 Day 7 Day8 Day 12 Day 13 Day 14 Photon Bean1 No data No data 50 × 47 51 × 48 55 ×50 55 × 52 Modu- Bean2 No data 30 × 25 59 × 55 59 × 55 61 × 55 64 × 58lation System Bean3 No data No data 52 × 50 54 × 51 56 × 52 56 × 55 60WBean1 32 × 25 38 × 31 57 × 50 59 × 53 62 × 55 62 × 55 incan- Bean2 31 ×23 34 × 30 50 × 43 53 × 45 55 × 45 57 × 45 descent grow Bean3 No data Nodata 26 × 22 28 × 23 30 × 27 33 × 30 light

Example 3

FIG. 13 shows the height of beans, (Phaseolus vulgaris var. nanus) inmillimeters to the first leaf node. As shown in FIG. 13 , Box 1 showsbeans grown under the color spectrum photon emissions of Option 11,where Option 11 is based on the example photon emission shown in FIG. 9, however the duration of the pulse of near red is extend and thefrequency of the all three pulses (far red, near red and blue) are notdrawn to scale. Box 2 and Box 3 show beans grown under color spectrumemissions of Options 10, where Option 10 is based on the example photonemission shown in FIG. 9 , however the duration of the pulse of far redis extend and the duty cycle of Option 10 of the all three pulses (farred, near red and blue) are not drawn to scale, and Options 10 a. Box 4shows beans grown under color spectrum emissions of a control comprisingplants grown under a conventional growing light (a 60 watt incandescentgrowing light) with no modulation of pulses of individual colorspectrums.

As shown in FIG. 13 , data related to measurement to the first leaf nodebegan six days after planting of the seeds. Both plants grown under thecontrol and Option 11 had consistent growth of the plant over 16 days,with a maximum height of 200 mm. However, plants grown under Option 10and Option 10 a consistently had a shorter height to the first leaf nodeover the entire period of measurement with an initial height less than50 mm and a maximum height less than 100 mm.

The data of FIG. 13 shows the ability of the system of the presentdisclosure to control plant growth through the modulation of pulses ofindividual color spectrums to a plant.

Example 4

FIG. 14 shows average corn (Zea mays) height in millimeters for plantsgrown under the color spectrum photon emissions of Option 11, Option 10and a control. As previously discussed, Option 10 and Option 11 are bothbased on the example photon emission shown in FIG. 9 . Box 2 and Box 3show beans grown under color spectrum emissions of Options 10 Plantsgrown in Box 1 were grown in the color spectrum photon emissions ofOption 11. Plants grown in Box 2 and Box 3 show beans grown under colorspectrum emission of Option 10. Plants grown in Box 4 were grown undercolor spectrum emissions of a control comprising plants grown under aconventional growing light (a 60 watt incandescent growing light) withno modulation of pulses of individual color spectrums.

As shown in FIG. 14 , plants grown in all four boxes showed measureablegrowth five days after planting. Plants grown under Option 10 and Option11 showed consistent growth, with a measurable increase in growth after13 days over plants grown under the control. Plants grown under Option10 and Option 11 had a maximum height over 450 mm with a lower maximumheight of just under 400 mm. Conversely, plants grown under the controlhad a maximum height under 300 mm.

The data of FIG. 14 shows the ability of the system of the presentdisclosure to increase and improve plant growth through the modulationof pulse of individual color spectrums to a plant.

Example 5

FIG. 15 shows the size of the first node of beans, (Phaseolus vulgarisvar. nanus) in millimeters. As shown in FIG. 15 , Box 1 shows beansgrown under the color spectrum photon emissions of Option 11. Aspreviously discussed, Option 10 and Option 11 are both based on theexample photon emission shown in FIG. 9 . Box 2 and Box 3 show beansgrown under color spectrum emissions of Options 10 and Options 10 a. Box4 shows beans grown under color spectrum emissions of a controlcomprising plants grown under a conventional growing light (a 60 wattincandescent growing light) with no modulation of pulses of individualcolor spectrums.

As shown in FIG. 15 , data related to measurement to the size of thefirst leaf node began approximately six days after planting of theseeds. Both plants grown under the Option 10, Option 10 a and Option 11had consistent growth and first node size over 16 days, with a maximumfirst node size of 10000 mm. However, plants grown under the control hadsignificantly smaller first node sizes with a first node size of 4000 mmor less.

The data of FIG. 15 shows the ability of the system of the presentdisclosure to improve the quality plant growth through the modulation ofpulses of individual color spectrums to a plant.

Example 6

FIG. 16 shows the size of the first leaf node of peppers, (Cayenne) inmillimeters. As shown in FIG. 16 , Box 1 shows peppers grown under thecolor spectrum photon emissions of Option 11. As previously discussed,Option 10 and Option 11 are both based on the example photon emissionshown in FIG. 9 . Box 2 and Box 3 show peppers grown under colorspectrum emissions of Options 10 and Options 10 a. Box 4 shows peppersgrown under color spectrum emissions of a control comprising plantsgrown under a conventional growing light (a 60 watt incandescent growinglight) with no modulation of pulses of individual color spectrums.

As shown in FIG. 16 , data related to measurement to the size of thefirst leaf node began approximately ten days after planting of theseeds. Both plants grown under the Option 10, Option 10 a and Option 11had consistent growth and first node size over 16 days, with a maximumfirst leaf node size of 300 mm. However, plants grown under the controlhad significantly smaller first node sizes with a first node size of 250mm or less.

The data of FIG. 16 shows the ability of the system of the presentdisclosure to improve the quality plant growth through the modulation ofpulses of individual color spectrums to a plant.

Example 7

FIG. 17 shows the height in millimeters to the second leaf node ofbeans, (Phaseolus vulgaris var. nanus). As shown in FIG. 17 , Box 1shows beans grown under the color spectrum photon emissions of Option11. As previously discussed, Option 10 and Option 11 are both based onthe example photon emission shown in FIG. 9 . Box 2 and Box 3 show beansgrown under color spectrum emissions of Options 10 and Options 10 a. Box4 shows beans grown under color spectrum emissions of a controlcomprising plants grown under a conventional growing light (a 60 wattincandescent growing light) with no modulation of pulses of individualcolor spectrums.

As shown in FIG. 17 , data related to measurement to the second leafnode began approximately ten days after planting of the seeds. Bothplants grown under the control and Option 11 had consistent growth ofthe plant over 25 days, with a maximum height of 250 mm. However, plantsgrown under Option 10 and Option 10 a consistently had a shorter heightto the second leaf node over the entire period of measurement with anaverage height between 50 mm and 100 mm.

The data of FIG. 17 shows the ability of the system of the presentdisclosure to control plant growth through the modulation of pulses ofindividual color spectrums to a plant.

For Examples 8-21, a four color LED array consisting of 470 nm, 505 nm,617 nm, and 740 nm wavelengths were modulated with a varyingmicroseconds (μs) ON cycles followed by a coordinating (μs) OFF cyclerepeated in a loop in order to create duty cycles ranging from 5% to85%. All wavelengths were simultaneously started. With each step in theexperiment, various ON cycles (pulse widths) were used. These pulsewidths were tested in the following order Full ON (no OFF cycle), 25,000(μs) ON cycle, 5,000 (μs) ON cycle, 2,500 (μs) ON cycle, 1,250 (μs) ONcycle, 625 (μs) ON cycle, 312 (μs) ON cycle, 156 (μs) ON cycle, and 78(μs) ON cycle. The corresponding OFF cycle for each of the above ONcycles provided for the individual respective cycle rates wasaccomplished by varying the respective OFF cycles following the ONcycles in the loop described above.

As shown in Tables 3-12, the experimentation has shown that bymodulating light at extremely short intervals (i.e. 78 (μs)-25,000 (μs))great gains are realized in photosynthetic rate relative to power inputwhen light is not modulated.

Photosynthetic rate (“PSR”) was measured as:

$A = \frac{F\left( {C_{r} - {C_{s}\left( \frac{{1000} - W_{r}}{{1000} - W_{s}} \right)}} \right)}{100S\mspace{11mu}{constant}\mspace{14mu}{emission}}$

-   -   a. Where A=net assimilation rate, μmol CO₂ m⁻² s⁻¹,    -   b. Where F=molar flow rate of air entering the leaf chamber,        μmol s⁻¹ g,    -   c. Where C_(s)=mole fraction of CO₂ in the sample IRGA, μmol CO2        mol⁻¹ air,    -   d. Where C_(r)=mole fraction of CO₂ in the reference IRGA, μmol        CO2 mol⁻¹ air,    -   e. Where W_(s)=sample IRGA mole fraction of water vapor, mmol        H₂O mol air⁻¹,    -   f. W_(r)=reference IRGA mole fraction of water vapor, mmol H₂O        mol air⁻¹,    -   g. S=leaf area, cm².

PSR as measured on a single leaf of a bean plant (Phaseolus vulgarisvar. nanus) 6 to 8 months of age. Plants were exposed individually tophoton pulses composed of four light channels (near red, far red, blueand green) at a specific light duration in microseconds (μs) and a dutycycle of 100% emission, and a duty cycle chosen from 85%, 75%, 65%, 55%,45%, 33%, 20%, 15%, 10% and 5%. Photosynthetic rate was measured using aLI-6400XT Portable Photosynthesis System, available from Li-Cor, Inc.,Lincoln, Nebr.

The LI-6400XT Test Chamber was maintained with a constant content CO₂ of700 ppm and a relative humidity above 50% with controlled airflow of 300mol/s into the box.

Example 8

Table 3 below shows the PSR of a bean plant, as measured when exposed toa constant emission (100%) and a duty cycle of 85%. As shown in Table 3,column 1 shows the duration of a photon pulse of a full light spectrumin microseconds (μs). Column 2 shows the PSR of the bean plant whenexposed to a constant emission (100%). Column 3 shows the PSR of thetested plant when exposed to the photon pulse at the light duration ofcolumn 1, at a 85% duty cycle. Column 4 is the percent PSR of the plantat 85% as compared to the plant's PSR at 100% constant emission. Column5 is a corrected percentage comparison of the PSR of the plant at 85%duty cycle, where the PSR rate at 85% is multiplied by 1.18 tostandardize the PSR with the PSR rate at 100% constant emission.

As shown in Table 3, plant PSR when exposed to a duty cycle of 85% ascompared to 100% constant emission was an average increase of 111.27%greater than when the plant photosynthetic rate was measured under 100%constant emission, with a peak increase of 115.63%. Table 3 also showsthat PSR at 85% increases as the light duration decreases with a peakPSR of 12.62 at a light duration of 1250 μs.

TABLE 3 PSR at PSR % 85% Power 100% Duty compared Delivered to LightCycle/ to 100% duty Photosynthesis Duration Constant cycle/ConstantRelative to (μs) Emission PSR Emission 100% Cycle Rate 25000 12.84 12.7299.07% 116.55%  5000 12.61 98.21% 115.54%  2500 12.59 98.05% 115.36% 1250 12.62 98.29% 115.63%  625 12.61 98.21% 115.54%  312 12.58 97.98%115.26%  156 12.61 98.21% 115.54%   78  8.81 68.61%  80.72%

Example 9

Table 4 below shows the PSR of a bean plant, as measured when exposed toa constant emission (100%) and a duty cycle of 75%. As shown in Table 4,column 1 shows the duration of a photon pulse of a full light spectrumin microseconds (μs). Column 2 shows the PSR of the bean plant whenexposed to a constant emission (100%). Column 3 shows the PSR of thetested plant when exposed to the photon pulse at the light duration ofcolumn 1, at a 75% duty cycle. Column 4 is the percent PSR of the plantat 75% as compared to the plant's PSR at 100% constant emission. Column5 is a corrected percentage comparison of the PSR of the plant at 75%duty cycle, where the PSR rate at 75% is multiplied by 1.33 tostandardize the PSR with the PSR rate at 100% constant emission.

As shown in Table 4, plant PSR when exposed to a duty cycle of 75% ascompared to 100% constant emission was an average increase of 128.54%greater than when the plant photosynthetic rate was measured under 100%constant emission, with a peak increase of 130.79%. Table 4 also showsthat PSR at 75% increases as the light duration decreases with a peakPSR of 12.88 at a light duration of 312 μs.

TABLE 4 PSR at PSR % 75% Power 100% Duty compared Delivered to LightCycle/ to 100% duty Photosynthesis Duration Constant cycle/ConstantRelative to (μs) Emission PSR Emission 100% Cycle Rate 25000 13.13 12.9498.55% 131.40%  5000 12.91 98.32% 131.10%  2500 12.87 98.02% 130.69% 1250 12.87 98.02% 130.69%  625 12.85 97.87% 130.49%  312 12.88 98.10%130.79%  156 12.69 96.65% 128.87%   78 11.25 85.68% 114.24%

Example 10

Table 5 below shows the PSR of a bean plant, as measured when exposed toa constant emission (100%) and a duty cycle of 65%. As shown in Table 5,column 1 shows the duration of a photon pulse of a full light spectrumin microseconds (μs). Column 2 shows the PSR of the bean plant whenexposed to a constant emission (100%). Column 3 shows the PSR of thetested plant when exposed to the photon pulse at the light duration ofcolumn 1, at a 65% duty cycle. Column 4 is the percent PSR of the plantat 65% as compared to the plant's PSR at 100% constant emission. Column5 is a corrected percentage comparison of the PSR of the plant at 65%duty cycle, where the PSR rate at 65% is multiplied by 1.54 tostandardize the PSR with the PSR rate at 100% constant emission.

As shown in Table 5, plant PSR when exposed to a duty cycle of 65% ascompared to 100% constant emission was an average increase of 143.27%greater than when the plant photosynthetic rate was measured under 100%constant emission, with a peak increase of 146.98%. Table 5 also showsthat PSR at 65% increases as the light duration decreases with a peakPSR of 12.85 at a light duration of 312 μs.

TABLE 5 PSR at PSR % 65% Power 100% Duty compared Delivered to LightCycle/ to 100% duty Photosynthesis Duration Constant cycle/ConstantRelative to (μs) Emission PSR Emission 100% Cycle Rate 25000 13.45 12.6794.20% 144.92%  5000 12.74 94.72% 145.72%  2500 12.69 94.35% 145.15% 1250 12.66 94.13% 144.81%  625 12.69 94.35% 145.15%  312 12.85 95.54%146.98%  156 12.58 93.53% 143.89%   78 11.32 84.16% 129.48%

Example 11

Table 6 below shows the PSR of a bean plant, as measured when exposed toa constant emission (100%) and a duty cycle of 55%. As shown in Table 6,column 1 shows the duration of a photon pulse of a full light spectrumin microseconds (μs). Column 2 shows the PSR of the bean plant whenexposed to a constant emission (100%). Column 3 shows the PSR of thetested plant when exposed to the photon pulse at the light duration ofcolumn 1, at a 55% duty cycle. Column 4 is the percent PSR of the plantat 55% as compared to the plant's PSR at 100% constant emission. Column5 is a corrected percentage comparison of the PSR of the plant at 55%duty cycle, where the PSR rate at 55% is multiplied by 1.82 tostandardize the PSR with the PSR rate at 100% constant emission.

As shown in Table 6, plant PSR when exposed to a duty cycle of 55% poweras compared to 100% constant emission was an average increase of 170.02%greater than when the plant photosynthetic rate was measured under 100%constant emission, with a peak increase of 174.21%. Table 6 also showsthat PSR at 55% increases as the light duration decreases with a peakPSR of 13.05 at a light duration of 312 μs.

TABLE 6 PSR at PSR % 55% Power 100% Duty compared Delivered to LightCycle/ to 100% duty Photosynthesis Duration Constant cycle/ConstantRelative to (μs) Emission PSR Emission 100% Cycle Rate 25000 13.62 12.5892.36% 167.93%  5000 12.86 94.42% 171.67%  2500 12.93 94.93% 172.61% 1250 12.95 95.08% 172.87%  625 13.02 95.59% 173.81%  312 13.05 95.81%174.21%  156 12.89 94.64% 172.07%   78 11.61 85.24% 154.99%

Example 12

Table 7 below shows the PSR of a bean plant, as measured when exposed toa constant emission (100%) and a duty cycle of 45%. As shown in Table 7,column 1 shows the duration of a photon pulse of a full light spectrumin microseconds (μs). Column 2 shows the PSR of the bean plant whenexposed to a constant emission (100%). Column 3 shows the PSR of thetested plant when exposed to the photon pulse at the light duration ofcolumn 1, at a 45% duty cycle. Column 4 is the percent PSR of the plantat 45% as compared to the plant's PSR at 100% constant emission. Column5 is a corrected percentage comparison of the PSR of the plant at 45%duty cycle, where the PSR rate at 45% is multiplied by 2.22 tostandardize the PSR with the PSR rate at 100% constant emission.

As shown in Table 7, plant PSR when exposed to a duty cycle of 45% ascompared to 100% constant emission was an average increase of 201.77%greater than when the plant photosynthetic rate was measured under 100%constant emission, with a peak increase of 207.10%. Table 7 also showsthat PSR at 45% increases as the light duration decreases with a peakPSR of 12.87 at a light duration of 312 μs.

TABLE 7 PSR at PSR % 45% Power 100% Duty compared Delivered to LightCycle/ to 100% duty Photosynthesis Duration Constant cycle/ConstantRelative to (μs) Emission PSR Emission 100% Cycle Rate 25000 13.81 11.7184.79% 188.43%  5000 12.52 90.66% 201.46%  2500 12.61 91.31% 202.91% 1250 12.76 92.40% 205.33%  625 12.83 92.90% 206.45%  312 12.87 93.19%207.10%  156 12.68 91.82% 204.04%   78 12.33 89.28% 198.41%

Example 13

Table 8 below shows the PSR of a bean plant, as measured when exposed toa constant emission (100%) and a duty cycle of 33% duty cycle. As shownin Table 8, column 1 shows the duration of a photon pulse of a fulllight spectrum in microseconds (μs). Column 2 shows the PSR of the beanplant when exposed to a constant emission (100%). Column 3 shows the PSRof the tested plant when exposed to the photon pulse at the lightduration of column 1, at a 33% duty cycle. Column 4 is the percent PSRof the plant at 33% as compared to the plant's PSR at 100% constantemission. Column 5 is a corrected percentage comparison of the PSR ofthe plant at 33% duty cycle, where the PSR rate at 33% is multiplied bythree to standardize the PSR with the PSR rate at 100% constantemission.

As shown in Table 8, plant PSR when exposed to a duty cycle of 33% ascompared to 100% constant emission was observed at an average of 250.15%greater than when the plant photosynthetic rate of the plant wasmeasured at 100% light. Table 8 also shows that PSR at 33% increases asthe light duration decreases with a peak PSR of 9.35 observed at a lightduration of 156 μs.

TABLE 8 PSR at PSR % 33% Power 100% Duty compared Delivered to LightCycle/ to 100% duty Photosynthesis Duration Constant cycle/ConstantRelative to (μs) Emission PSR Emission 100% Cycle Rate 25000 10.7 7.3969.07% 207.20%  5000 8.81 82.34% 247.01%  2500 8.92 83.36% 250.09%  12509.18 85.79% 257.38%  625 9.17 85.70% 257.10%  312 9.26 86.54% 259.63% 156 9.35 87.38% 262.15%   78 9.19 85.89% 257.66%   39 9.03 84.39%253.18%

Example 14

Table 9 below shows the PSR of a bean plant, as measured when exposed toa constant emission (100%) and a duty cycle of 20%. As shown in Table 9,column 1 shows the duration of a photon pulse of a full light spectrumin microseconds (μs). Column 2 shows the PSR of the bean plant whenexposed to a constant emission (100%). Column 3 shows the PSR of thetested plant when exposed to the photon pulse at the light duration ofcolumn 1, at a 20% duty cycle. Column 4 is the percent PSR of the plantat 20% as compared to the plant's PSR at 100% light. Column 5 is acorrected percentage comparison of the PSR of the plant at 20%, wherethe PSR rate at 20% duty cycle is multiplied by five to standardize thePSR with the PSR rate at 100% Constant Emission.

As shown in Table 9, plant PSR when exposed to a duty cycle of 20% ascompared to 100% constant emission was observed to have an averageincrease of 400.46% greater than when the plant photosynthetic rate wasmeasured at 100% constant emission. Table 9 also shows that PSR at 20%increases as the light duration decreases with a peak PSR of 5.82 at alight duration of 312 μs.

TABLE 9 PSR at PSR % 20% Power 100% Duty compared Delivered to LightCycle/ to 100% duty Photosynthesis Duration Constant cycle/ConstantRelative to (μs) Emission PSR Emission 100% Cycle Rate 25000 6.72 4.2162.65% 313.24%  5000 5.42 80.65% 403.27%  2500 5.56 82.74% 413.69%  12505.71 84.97% 424.85%  625 5.75 85.57% 427.83%  312 5.82 86.61% 433.04% 156 5.73 85.27% 426.34%   78 5.57 82.89% 414.43%   39 4.67 69.49%347.47%

Example 15

Table 10 below shows the PSR of a bean plant, as measured when exposedto a constant emission (100%) and a duty cycle of 15%. As shown in Table10, column 1 shows the duration of a photon pulse of a full lightspectrum in microseconds (μs). Column 2 shows the PSR of the bean plantwhen exposed to a constant emission (100%). Column 3 shows the PSR ofthe tested plant when exposed to the photon pulse at the light durationof column 1, at a 15% duty cycle. Column 4 is the percent PSR of theplant at 15% as compared to the plant's PSR at 100% light. Column 5 is acorrected percentage comparison of the PSR of the plant at 15% dutycycle, where the PSR rate at 15% is multiplied by 6.67 to standardizethe PSR with the PSR rate at 100% constant emission.

As shown in Table 10, plant PSR when exposed to a duty cycle of 15%power as compared to 100% constant emission was observed to have anaverage PSR 478.21% greater than when the plant photosynthetic rate wasmeasured under 100% constant emission. Table 10 also shows that PSR at15% increases as the light duration decreases with a peak PSR of 6.05 ata light duration of 312 μs.

TABLE 10 PSR at PSR % 15% Power 100% Duty compared Delivered to LightCycle/ to 100% duty Photosynthesis Duration Constant cycle/ConstantRelative to (μs) Emission PSR Emission 100% Cycle Rate 25000 7.47 3.1642.30% 281.99%  5000 5.07 67.87% 452.43%  2500 5.51 73.76% 491.70%  12505.72 76.57% 510.44%  625 5.97 79.92% 532.74%  312 6.05 80.99% 539.88% 156 6.01 80.46% 536.31%   78 5.83 78.05% 520.25%   39 4.91 65.73%438.15%

Example 16

Table 11 below shows the PSR of a bean plant, as measured when exposedto a constant emission (100%) and a duty cycle of 10%. As shown in Table11, column 1 shows the duration of a photon pulse of a full lightspectrum in microseconds (μs). Column 2 shows the PSR of the bean plantwhen exposed to a constant emission (100%). Column 3 shows the PSR ofthe tested plant when exposed to the photon pulse at the light durationof column 1, at a 10% duty cycle. Column 4 is the percent PSR of theplant at 10% as compared to the plant's PSR at 100% constant emission.Column 5 is a corrected percentage comparison of the PSR of the plant at10% duty cycle, where the PSR rate at 10% is multiplied by ten tostandardize the PSR with the PSR rate at 100% constant emission.

As shown in Table 11, plant PSR when exposed to a duty cycle of 10% ascompared to 100% constant emission was an average increase of 627.30%greater than when the plant photosynthetic rate was measured under 100%constant emission, with a peak increase of 745.10%. Table 11 also showsthat PSR at 10% increases as the light duration decreases with a peakPSR of 5.32 at a light duration of 312 μs.

TABLE 11 PSR at PSR % 10% Power 100% Duty compared Delivered to LightCycle/ to 100% duty Photosynthesis Duration Constant cycle/ConstantRelative to (μs) Emission PSR Emission 100% Cycle Rate 25000 7.14 2.0328.43% 284.31%  5000 3.83 53.64% 536.41%  2500 4.62 64.71% 647.06%  12505.04 70.59% 705.88%  625 5.29 74.09% 740.90%  312 5.32 74.51% 745.10% 156 5.24 73.39% 733.89%   78 4.92 68.91% 689.08%   39 4.02 56.30%563.03%

Example 17

Table 12 below shows the PSR of a bean plant, as measured when exposedto a constant emission (100%) and a duty cycle of 5%. As shown in Table12, column 1 shows the duration of a photon pulse of a full lightspectrum in microseconds (μs). Column 2 shows the PSR of the bean plantwhen exposed to a constant emission (100%). Column 3 shows the PSR ofthe tested plant when exposed to the photon pulse at the light durationof column 1, at a 5% power. Column 4 is the percent PSR of the plant at5% as compared to the plant's PSR at 100% light. Column 5 is a relativePSR of the plant at 5%, where the PSR rate at 5% is multiplied by 20 tostandardize the PSR with the PSR rate at 100%.

As shown in Table 12, plant PSR when exposed to a duty cycle of 5% ascompared to 100% light was an average increase of 827.12% greater thanwhen the plant photosynthetic rate was measured under 100% light, with apeak increase of 1090.06%, at 312 μs. Table 12 also shows that PSR at 5%was observed to increase as the light duration decreases, with a peakPSR of 3.51 at a light duration of 312 μs.

TABLE 12 PSR at PSR % 5% Power 100% Duty compared Delivered to LightCycle/ to 100% duty Photosynthesis Duration Constant cycle/ConstantRelative to (μs) Emission PSR Emission 100% Cycle Rate 25000 6.44 0.6610.25%  204.97%  5000 1.92 29.81%  596.27%  2500 2.62 40.68%  813.66% 1250 3.03 47.05%  940.99%  625 3.43 53.26% 1065.22%  312 3.51 54.50%1090.06%  156 3.46 53.73% 1074.53%   78 3.13 48.60%  972.05%   39 2.2134.32%  686.34%

Example 18

FIG. 18 shows a compilation of the photosynthetic rate of bean plants,(Phaseolus vulgaris var. nanus) as observed when exposed to a constantemission (100% duty cycle) and duty cycles of 85%, 75%, 65%, 55%, 45%,33%, 20%, 15%, 10% and 5%.

As shown in FIG. 18 , photosynthetic rate of the plant as measuredincrease significantly as the power duty cycle decreased with a PSRincrease of 111.27% at a 85% duty cycle, 128.54 at a 75% duty cycle,143.27 at a 65% duty cycle, 170.02% at a 55% duty cycle, 201.77% at a45% duty cycle, 250.15% at a 33% duty cycle observed, a 400% increase inPSR at a 20% duty cycle observed, a 478% increase in PSR at a 15% dutycycle observed, a 745% photosynthetic rate at a 10% duty cycle was alsoobserved and a 827.12% PSR, with a peak of 1090% at 312 μs at a 5% dutycycle was observed.

Example 19

FIG. 19 shows the cycle PSR as measured as a percent of the PSR of theplant under constant emission or full emission of light (100% dutycycle) and duty cycles of 85%, 75%, 65%, 55%, 45%, 33%, 20%, 15%, 10%and 5% at specific light durations, as measured in microseconds.

As shown in FIG. 19 , the PSR rate of the tested plants increasedsignificantly as the percentage of power related to the duty cycledecreased, with the PSR consistently peaking at a light duration of 312microseconds for duty cycles of 65%, 55%, 45%, 33%, 20%, 15%, 10% and 5%at specific light durations.

Example 20

Tables 13-18 and FIG. 20 show photosynthetic rate as measured on aRudbeckia plant (Rudbeckia fulgida), allowing for a shift of far redwavelengths. A four-color LED array consisting of 470 nm, 505 nm, 617nm, and 740 nm wavelengths were modulated with a 312 μs ON cyclefollowed by a 2812 μs OFF cycle repeated in a loop (9.01% duty cycle).All wavelengths were initially simultaneously started. With each step inthe experiment, the far red (740 nm) wavelength start was shifted by a100 μs delay. (i.e. Ops, 100 μs, 200 μs, 300 μs, etc.). PSR(photosynthetic rate) was allowed to stabilize after each shift in 740nm wavelengths and the value was plotted. Photosynthetic rate wasmeasured using a LI-6400XT Portable Photosynthesis System, availablefrom Li-Cor, Inc., Lincoln, Nebr.

As shown in Tables 13-18, PSR increased consistently as the 740 nm (farred) shift increased in microseconds. Please note that column 2 inTables 13-18 shows 0, indicating that no shift in far red was measured.As shown in Table 14 and in FIG. 20 , the PSR peaks at a 740 nm (farred) shift of 1500 microseconds and then began to decrease.

TABLE 13 740 nm (far red) shift from 100 μs to 1000 μs 740 nm 0 100 200300 400 500 600 700 800 900 1000 Shift Peak 6.68 6.72 6.72 6.77 6.776.72 6.84 6.77 6.73 6.75 6.81 PSR

TABLE 14 740 nm (far red) shift from 1100 μs to 2000 μs 740 nm 0 11001200 1300 1400 1500 1600 1700 1800 1900 2000 Shift Peak 6.68 6.83 6.896.86 6.82 6.94 6.91 6.87 6.85 6.87 6.82 PSR

TABLE 15 740 nm (far red) shift from 2100 μs to 2800 μs 740 nm 0 21002200 2300 2400 2500 2600 2700 2800 Shift Peak 6.68 6.81 6.78 6.84 6.716.73 6.75 6.72 6.8 PSR

TABLE 16 Second trial of 740 nm (far red) shift from 0 μs to 1600 μs 740nm 0 200 400 600 800 1000 1200 1400 1600 Shift Peak 6.79 6.98 6.95 6.856.97 6.89 7.05 7.07 6.85 PSR

TABLE 17 Second trial of 740 nm (far red) shift from 1800 μs to 2800 μs740nm 0 1800 2000 2200 2400 2600 2800 Shift Peak 6.68 6.89 6.91 6.896.84 6.93 6.86 PSR

Tables 18 and 19 below show 10% duty cycle w/ varied signal durationphotosynthetic rate average versus 740 nm wavelength shift (1.5*Period)as measured on nine (9) week old Kalanchoa sp. grown in MIRACLE GRO®soil with an ebb flow watering system. A four-color LED array consistingof 470 nm, 505 nm, 617 nm, and 740 nm wavelengths were modulated at a100% intensity with a 10% duty cycle.

The photosynthetic rate average is taken across 150 measurements, eachof which are approximately 250 ms apart. Flow Rate was 200 μmol, CarbonDioxide was CO2_R 700 μmol; Temperature: T_Leaf 21° C.; Desiccant: KnobAdjusted to achieve RH_S=60%±1% and Soda Lime: Full Scrub

In the trial represented in Table 18, each individual wavelength waspulsed at the same pulse width, at the same signal duration, and begunat the same time, with the exception of the 740 nm wavelength. The 740nm wavelength is shifted one and one half periods away from the othercluster of wavelengths (i.e. 1.5*Pulse Width OFF). After each subsequentchange in Light Recipe Configuration, photosynthetic rate and referenceCO² is given appropriate time to adjust to the new lighting. This isjudged by a relative flat lining of the photosynthetic rate andreference CO2 average over an extended period. For this experiment, amaximum of ±0.05 fluxuation of photosynthetic rate indicated anacceptable stability.

In Table 19 each individual wavelength is pulsed at the same pulsewidth, at the same signal duration, and begun at the same time.

Please note that the same plant and leaf on for mentioned plant, wereused in both trials.

As shown in FIG. 21 , the PSR rate of the tested Kalanchoa plantsincreased significantly as the signal duration decreased, with increasedphotosynthetic activity when flashing all colors together. A consistentdip in PSR was observed at 750 μs and 500 μs with PSR rate againincreasing at 400 μs for a duty cycle of 10%.

TABLE 18 10% Duty Cycle w/Varied Signal Duration Photosynthetic RateAverage (1.5*Period) 740 nm Shift Duty 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 1010 10 10 10 Cycle (%) Signal 100000 50000 25000 17500 12500 7500 50003000 2000 1000 750 500 400 300 200 Duration (μs) Pulse 10000 5000 25001750 1250 750 500 300 200 100 75 50 40 30 20 Width ON (μs) Pulse 9000045000 22500 15750 11250 6750 4500 2700 1800 900 675 450 360 270 180Width OFF (μs) Photo- 0.8 1.06 1.35 1.75 1.93 2.04 2.08 2.15 2.13 2.181.96 1.91 2.1 1.8 2.34 synthetic Rate Avg

TABLE 19 10% Duty Cycle w/Varied Signal Duration Photosynthetic RateAverage (1.5*Period) No 740 nm Shift Duty Cycle (%) 10 10 10 10 10 10 1010 Signal Duration (μs) 100000 50000 25000 17500 12500 7500 5000 3000Pulse Width ON (μs) 10000 5000 2500 1750 1250 750 500 300 Pulse WidthOFF (μs) 90000 45000 22500 15750 11250 6750 4500 2700 PhotosyntheticRate Avg 1.25 1.71 2.05 2.19 2.28 2.36 2.44 2.43 Duty Cycle (%) 10 10 1010 10 10 10 Signal Duration (μs) 2000 1000 750 500 400 300 200 PulseWidth ON (μs) 200 100 75 50 40 30 20 Pulse Width OFF (μs) 1800 900 675450 360 270 180 Photosynthetic Rate Avg 2.39 2.38 2.13 2.08 2.33 1.792.26

Tables 20 and 21 below show 10% duty cycle with varied signal durationphotosynthetic rate average versus. 740 nm wavelength shift (0.5*Period)as measured on nine (9) week old Kalanchoa sp grown in MIRACLE GRO® soilwith an ebb flow watering system. A four-color LED array consisting of470 nm, 505 nm, 617 nm, and 740 nm wavelengths were modulated at a 100%intensity with a 10% duty cycle.

The Photosynthetic Rate Average is taken across 150 measurements, eachof which are approximately 250 ms apart. Flow Rate was 200 μmol, carbondioxide was CO2_R 700 μmol; Temperature: T_Leaf 21° C.; Desiccant: KnobAdjusted to achieve RH_S=60%±1% and soda lime: Full Scrub. After eachsubsequent change in Light Recipe Configuration, photosynthetic rate andReference CO² is given appropriate time to adjust to the new lighting.This is judged by a relative flat lining of the photosynthetic rate andReference CO2 average over an extended period. For this experiment, amaximum of ±0.05 fluxuation of photosynthetic rate indicated anacceptable stability.

In the trial represented in Table 20, each individual wavelength ispulsed at the same pulse width, at the same signal duration, and begunat the same time, with the exception of the 740 nm wavelength. The 740nm wavelength is shifted one-half period away from the other wavelengthsequating to (0.5) Pulse Width Off.

In Table 21 each individual wavelength is pulsed at the same pulsewidth, at the same signal duration, and begun at the same time.

Please note that the same plant, and leaf on for mentioned plant, wereused in both trials.

As shown in FIG. 22 , the PSR rate of the tested Kalanchoa plantsincreased significantly as the signal duration decreased, with increasedphotosynthetic activity when flashing all colors together. A consistentdip in PSR was observed at 750 μs and 500 μs with PSR rate againincreasing at 400 μs for a duty cycle of 10%.

TABLE 20 10% Duty Cycle w/Varied Signal Duration Photosynthetic RateAverage vs. 740 nm Wavelength Shift (0.5*Period) 740 nm Shift Duty Cycle(%) 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Signal Duration (μs) 100000 50000 2500017500 12500 7500 5000 3000 Pulse Width ON (μs) 10000 5000 2500 1750 1250750 500 300 Pulse Width OFF (μs) 90000 45000 22500 15750 11250 6750 45002700 Photosynthetic Rate Avg 1.59 2.1 2.53 2.74 2.87 3.06 3.26 3.48 DutyCycle (%) 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Signal Duration (μs) 2000 1000 750 500400 300 200 Pulse Width ON (μs) 200 100 75 50 40 30 20 Pulse Width OFF(μs) 1800 900 675 450 360 270 180 Photosynthetic Rate Avg 3.52 3.6 3.373.35 3.66 3.09 3.76

TABLE 21 10% Duty Cycle w/Varied Signal Duration Photosynthetic RateAverage vs. 740 nm Wavelength Shift (0.5*Period) No 740 nm Shift DutyCycle (%) 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Signal Duration (μs) 100000 5000025000 17500 12500 7500 5000 3000 Pulse Width ON (μs) 10000 5000 25001750 1250 750 500 300 Pulse Width OFF (μs) 90000 45000 22500 15750 112506750 4500 2700 Photosynthetic Rate Avg 1.57 1.88 2.15 2.36 2.59 2.813.01 3.27 Duty Cycle (%) 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 Signal Duration (μs) 20001000 750 500 400 300 200 Pulse Width ON (μs) 200 100 75 50 40 30 20Pulse Width OFF (μs) 1800 900 675 450 360 270 180 Photosynthetic RateAvg 3.42 3.5 3.17 3.06 3.36 2.52 2.99

The foregoing description of the invention has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to beexhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed, andother modifications and variations may be possible in light of the aboveteachings. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to bestexplain the principles of the invention and its practical application tothereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the inventionin various embodiments and various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. It is intended that the appended claims beconstrued to include other alternative embodiments of the inventionexcept insofar as limited by the prior art.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A system for increasing the photosyntheticrate in a photosynthetic organism, wherein the system comprises: atleast one lighting element positioned in spaced relation to a plant toemit a photon signal onto the plant; a photon signal to said organism,wherein is said organism is a plant chosen from gymnosperms, angiospermsand pteridophytes, wherein said photon signal comprises two or moreindependent components, wherein each of the said independent componentcomprises: a repetitive modulated photon pulse group, with one or morephoton pulse ON durations with one or more intensities, one or morephoton pulse OFF durations, wherein the durations of the one or morephoton pulse ON durations are different from the durations of the one ormore photon pulse OFF durations; and a wavelength that allows for peakstimulation of said photosynthetic organism's chromophores, wherein atleast one of said two or more independent components has a duty cyclebetween 5% and 95% constant photon emission; wherein the initiation ofthe ON durations of each repetitive modulated photon pulse group withineach of the two or more independent components are offset; and whereinsaid at least one lighting element is configured to emit said signalfrom said lighting element toward said photosynthetic organism, whereinthe combined effect of the two or more independent components producesat least an 80% increase in photosynthetic rate relative to thephotosynthetic rate of the organism when exposed to a 100% duty cycle.2. The system of claim 1, wherein said ON duration of at least one ofthe photon pulse groups of said two or more independent components isbetween 0.1 microseconds and 25000 microseconds with a duty cycle of 85%relative to a 100% constant photon emission, wherein the combined effectof the two or more independent components produces at least an 80%increase in photosynthetic rate relative to the photosynthetic rate ofthe organism when exposed to a 100% constant photon emission.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said ON duration of at least one of thephoton pulse groups of said two or more independent components isbetween 0.1 microseconds and 25000 microseconds with a duty cycle of 75%relative to a 100% constant photon emission, wherein the combined effectof the two or more independent components produces at least a 114%increase in photosynthetic rate relative to the photosynthetic rate ofthe organism when exposed to a 100% constant photon emission.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said ON duration of at least one of thephoton pulse groups of said two or more independent components isbetween 0.1 microseconds and 25000 microseconds with a duty cycle of 65%relative to a 100% constant photon emission, wherein the combined effectof the two or more independent components produces at least a 129%increase in photosynthetic rate relative to the photosynthetic rate ofthe organism when exposed to a 100% constant photon emission.
 5. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising: a master logic controller incommunication with said at least one lighting element, wherein saidmaster logic controller sends commands to said at least one lightingelement controlling the one or more photon pulse ON durations, one ormore intensities, one or more photon pulse OFF durations, and wavelengthrepetitive of each modulated photon pulse group within said signalemitted from at least one lighting element.
 6. The system of claim 5,further comprising: at least one sensor, wherein said at least onesensor is capable of monitoring at least one condition associated withsaid organism, wherein said at least one condition associated with saidorganism is an environmental condition associated with said organism ora physiological condition associated with said organism; wherein said atleast one sensor is operably linked to a first communication device,wherein said first communication device sends data from said at leastone sensor to said master logic controller.
 7. The system of claim 6,wherein said master logic controller adjusts said components of eachrepetitive modulated photon pulse group based upon said data from saidat least one sensor.
 8. The system of claim 6, further comprising saidmaster logic controller in communication with an irrigation source,wherein said irrigation source provides irrigation events to saidorganism based upon said data from said at least one sensor.
 9. Thesystem of claim 6, further comprising said master logic controller incommunication with a nutrient source, wherein said nutrient source iscapable of providing nutrient events to said organism based upon saiddata from said at least one sensor.
 10. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid at least one lighting element is selected from the group ofincandescent (Tungsten-halogen and Xenon), Fluorescent (CFL's), highintensity discharge (Metal Halide, High-Pressure Sodium, Low-PressureSodium, Mercury Vapor), and light emitting diode.
 11. The system ofclaim 1, further comprising at least one photon emission modulationcontroller in communication with said at least one lighting element,wherein said at least one photon emission modulation controller isselected from the group comprising a solid-state relay, ametal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor, a field-effecttransistor, a Zener diode, optical chopper and a device that inducesmodulation of said repetitive modulated photon pulse group.
 12. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein said ON durations are between 0.01microseconds and 999 milliseconds and said OFF durations between 0.1microseconds and 999 milliseconds.
 13. The system of claim 1, whereinsaid wavelength of said repetitive modulated photon pulse group isbetween 0.1 nm and 1 cm.